Creative & Education South Portland, ME Pop. 25,665

ESL Teacher Salary in South Portland, Maine

The median esl teacher salary in South Portland, ME is $58,800 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$58,800
vs State Avg
+$3,920
vs National
+$2,800
Cost of Living
105%

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

South Portland offers a median esl teacher salary of $58,800, which is $3,920 above the Maine state average of $54,880. Compared to the national median of $56,000, South Portland pays above average for this role.

South Portland's cost of living is 105% 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 South Portland spans from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $92,400 at the 90th percentile — a $54,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,900, while senior esl teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,200. South Portland is a smaller market (pop. 25,665), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

ESL Teacher Salary in South Portland by Experience

In South Portland, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,900
+$1,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,850
+$2,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,200
+$4,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Portland, ME

Percentile South Portland
10th Percentile $37,800
25th Percentile $46,200
Median (50th) $58,800
75th Percentile $75,600
90th Percentile $92,400

ESL Teacher Salary in Other Maine Cities

Portland, ME
$60,480
Pop. 68,408
Bangor, ME
$51,520
Pop. 32,029
Lewiston, ME
$50,400
Pop. 37,121
Auburn, ME
$49,840
Pop. 23,926

How to Become a ESL Teacher in South Portland

Education

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

Find ESL Teacher Jobs in South Portland

Browse open esl teacher positions in South Portland, ME:

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Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in South Portland

How much does a ESL Teacher make in South Portland, ME? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in South Portland, Maine is $58,800 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $92,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in South Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,800, a esl teacher in South Portland earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Portland compare to the Maine state average for esl teacher pay? ▼
South Portland's median esl teacher salary of $58,800 is 7.1% above the Maine state average of $54,880. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Portland, ME? ▼
South Portland has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a esl teacher salary of $58,800 in South 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 South Portland? ▼
Most esl teacher positions in South 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.