Creative & Education Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

ESL Teacher Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median esl teacher salary in Cambridge, MA is $89,600 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$89,600
vs State Avg
+$14,000
vs National
+$33,600
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median esl teacher salary of $89,600, which is $14,000 above the Massachusetts state average of $75,600. Compared to the national median of $56,000, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $89,600 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $56,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for esl teachers in Cambridge spans from $57,600 at the 10th percentile to $140,800 at the 90th percentile — a $83,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,800, while senior esl teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $134,400. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

ESL Teacher Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $60,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $134,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,800
+$22,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,200
+$34,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$134,400
+$50,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $57,600
25th Percentile $70,400
Median (50th) $89,600
75th Percentile $115,200
90th Percentile $140,800

ESL Teacher Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$85,120
Pop. 675,647
Worcester, MA
$61,600
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$58,800
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$54,880
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Cambridge

Education

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

Find ESL Teacher Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open esl teacher positions in Cambridge, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Cambridge

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $89,600 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $57,600 (10th percentile) to $140,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,600, a esl teacher in Cambridge earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for esl teacher pay? ▼
Cambridge's median esl teacher salary of $89,600 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $75,600. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a esl teacher salary of $89,600 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esl teacher in Cambridge? ▼
Most esl teacher positions in Cambridge 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.