Creative & Education Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

ESL Teacher Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median esl teacher salary in Durham, NC is $53,200 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$53,200
vs State Avg
+$1,680
vs National
$-2,800
Cost of Living
95%

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

Durham offers a median esl teacher salary of $53,200, which is $1,680 above the North Carolina state average of $51,520. Compared to the national median of $56,000, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham spans from $34,200 at the 10th percentile to $83,600 at the 90th percentile — a $49,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,100, while senior esl teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,800. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

ESL Teacher Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $36,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,100
$-1,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,150
$-2,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,800
$-4,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $34,200
25th Percentile $41,800
Median (50th) $53,200
75th Percentile $68,400
90th Percentile $83,600

ESL Teacher Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$54,880
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$54,880
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$49,280
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$48,160
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Durham

Education

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

Find ESL Teacher Jobs in Durham

Browse open esl teacher positions in Durham, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Durham

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Durham, North Carolina is $53,200 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $34,200 (10th percentile) to $83,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,200, a esl teacher in Durham earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for esl teacher pay? ▼
Durham's median esl teacher salary of $53,200 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $51,520. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a esl teacher salary of $53,200 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esl teacher in Durham? ▼
Most esl teacher positions in Durham 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.