Creative & Education Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

ESL Teacher Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median esl teacher salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $49,280 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$49,280
vs State Avg
$-560
vs National
$-6,720
Cost of Living
88%

ESL Teacher Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median esl teacher salary of $49,280, which is $560 below the Iowa state average of $49,840. Compared to the national median of $56,000, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $49,280 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for esl teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for esl teachers in Cedar Rapids spans from $31,680 at the 10th percentile to $77,440 at the 90th percentile — a $45,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,440, while senior esl teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,920. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

ESL Teacher Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,440
$-4,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,160
$-6,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,920
$-10,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $31,680
25th Percentile $38,720
Median (50th) $49,280
75th Percentile $63,360
90th Percentile $77,440

ESL Teacher Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$53,200
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$51,520
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$48,160
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$47,040
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Cedar Rapids

Education

Most esl teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Cedar Rapids and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

ESL MethodsLesson PlanningCultural CompetencyAssessmentPatienceCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, esl teacher employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Cedar Rapids may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find ESL Teacher Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open esl teacher positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $49,280 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $31,680 (10th percentile) to $77,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,280, a esl teacher in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for esl teacher pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median esl teacher salary of $49,280 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $49,840. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a esl teacher salary of $49,280 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esl teacher in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most esl teacher positions in Cedar Rapids require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include ESL Methods, Lesson Planning, Cultural Competency, Assessment. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.