Creative & Education Portland, ME Pop. 68,408

ESL Teacher Salary in Portland, Maine

The median esl teacher salary in Portland, ME is $60,480 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 10.2% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$60,480
vs State Avg
+$5,600
vs National
+$4,480
Cost of Living
108%

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

Portland offers a median esl teacher salary of $60,480, which is $5,600 above the Maine state average of $54,880. Compared to the national median of $56,000, Portland pays above average for this role.

Portland's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for esl teachers in Portland spans from $38,880 at the 10th percentile to $95,040 at the 90th percentile — a $56,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,040, while senior esl teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,720. Portland is a smaller market (pop. 68,408), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

ESL Teacher Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $41,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,040
+$3,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,560
+$4,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,720
+$6,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $38,880
25th Percentile $47,520
Median (50th) $60,480
75th Percentile $77,760
90th Percentile $95,040

ESL Teacher Salary in Other Maine Cities

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Portland

Education

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

Find ESL Teacher Jobs in Portland

Browse open esl teacher positions in Portland, ME:

Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Portland

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Portland, ME? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Portland, Maine is $60,480 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $38,880 (10th percentile) to $95,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,480, a esl teacher in Portland earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Maine state average for esl teacher pay? ▼
Portland's median esl teacher salary of $60,480 is 10.2% above the Maine state average of $54,880. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, ME? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a esl teacher salary of $60,480 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esl teacher in Portland? ▼
Most esl teacher positions in Portland 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.