Creative & Education Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

ESL Teacher Salary in Rhode Island

The median esl teacher salary in Rhode Island is $58,800 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $56,000.

Median Salary
$58,800
vs National
+$2,800
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

ESL Teacher Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for esl teacher compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for esl teacher pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $58,800 per year, esl teachers in Rhode Island earn $2,800 more than the national median of $56,000.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning esl teacher salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: esl teachers at the 10th percentile earn $37,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $92,400 — a $54,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $60,480.

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 Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,200 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island 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

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

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

ESL Teacher Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for esl teachers in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

ESL MethodsLesson PlanningCultural CompetencyAssessmentPatienceCommunication

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,800, a esl teacher in Rhode Island earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for esl teachers? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for esl teacher pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level esl teachers earn $39,900, while senior professionals earn $88,200.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for esl teacher salary? ▼
The highest paying state for esl teachers is Hawaii at $95,200. Rhode Island's median of $58,800 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($58,800) and New Hampshire ($58,800).
What is the entry-level esl teacher salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level esl teacher in Rhode Island earns approximately $39,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $59,850. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $88,200.
What city in Rhode Island pays esl teachers the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for esl teachers, with a median salary of $60,480. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.