Creative & Education Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #23 of 50

ESL Teacher Salary in Pennsylvania

The median esl teacher salary in Pennsylvania is $53,760 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $56,000.

Median Salary
$53,760
vs National
$-2,240
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

ESL Teacher Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for esl teacher compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for esl teacher pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $53,760 per year, esl teachers in Pennsylvania earn $2,240 less than the national median of $56,000.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning esl teacher salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: esl teachers at the 10th percentile earn $34,560, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $84,480 — a $49,920 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $57,120.

Nationally, esl teacher employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for esl teachers across the country.

ESL Teacher Salary in Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $36,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,640 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,480
$-1,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,720
$-2,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,640
$-3,360 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $34,560
25th Percentile $42,240
Median (50th) $53,760
75th Percentile $69,120
90th Percentile $84,480

ESL Teacher Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for esl teachers in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Pennsylvania

Education

Most esl teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Pennsylvania has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

ESL MethodsLesson PlanningCultural CompetencyAssessmentPatienceCommunication

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

Nationally, esl teacher employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Pennsylvania's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Pennsylvania is $53,760 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $34,560 (10th percentile) to $84,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,760, a esl teacher in Pennsylvania earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for esl teachers? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for esl teacher pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level esl teachers earn $36,480, while senior professionals earn $80,640.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for esl teacher salary? ▼
The highest paying state for esl teachers is Hawaii at $95,200. Pennsylvania's median of $53,760 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($54,320) and Utah ($54,320).
What is the entry-level esl teacher salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level esl teacher in Pennsylvania earns approximately $36,480 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $54,720. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $80,640.
What city in Pennsylvania pays esl teachers the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for esl teachers, with a median salary of $57,120. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.