Creative & Education Cleveland, OH Pop. 372,624

ESL Teacher Salary in Cleveland, Ohio

The median esl teacher salary in Cleveland, OH is $48,160 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$48,160
vs State Avg
$-2,240
vs National
$-7,840
Cost of Living
86%

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

Cleveland offers a median esl teacher salary of $48,160, which is $2,240 below the Ohio state average of $50,400. Compared to the national median of $56,000, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $48,160 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Cleveland an attractive option for esl teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for esl teachers in Cleveland spans from $30,960 at the 10th percentile to $75,680 at the 90th percentile — a $44,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior esl teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,240. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

ESL Teacher Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,680
$-5,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,020
$-7,980 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,240
$-11,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cleveland, OH

Percentile Cleveland
10th Percentile $30,960
25th Percentile $37,840
Median (50th) $48,160
75th Percentile $61,920
90th Percentile $75,680

ESL Teacher Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$53,200
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$50,400
Pop. 309,317
Akron, OH
$47,040
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$45,920
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Cleveland

Education

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

Find ESL Teacher Jobs in Cleveland

Browse open esl teacher positions in Cleveland, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Cleveland

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Cleveland, OH? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Cleveland, Ohio is $48,160 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $30,960 (10th percentile) to $75,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in Cleveland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,160, a esl teacher in Cleveland earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for esl teacher pay? ▼
Cleveland's median esl teacher salary of $48,160 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $50,400. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼
Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a esl teacher salary of $48,160 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esl teacher in Cleveland? ▼
Most esl teacher positions in Cleveland 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.