Creative & Education Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

ESL Teacher Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median esl teacher salary in Lafayette, LA is $49,280 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$49,280
vs State Avg
$-1,680
vs National
$-6,720
Cost of Living
88%

ESL Teacher Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median esl teacher salary of $49,280, which is $1,680 below the Louisiana state average of $50,960. Compared to the national median of $56,000, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette'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 Lafayette an attractive option for esl teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for esl teachers in Lafayette 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 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

ESL Teacher Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
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 Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$54,880
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$51,520
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$48,160
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$47,600
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Lafayette

Education

Most esl teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Lafayette and the surrounding Louisiana 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 Lafayette may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find ESL Teacher Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open esl teacher positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Lafayette

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Lafayette, Louisiana 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 Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,280, a esl teacher in Lafayette earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for esl teacher pay? ▼
Lafayette's median esl teacher salary of $49,280 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $50,960. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a esl teacher salary of $49,280 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esl teacher in Lafayette? ▼
Most esl teacher positions in Lafayette 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.