Creative & Education Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

ESL Teacher Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median esl teacher salary in Memphis, TN is $48,160 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$48,160
vs State Avg
$-1,680
vs National
$-7,840
Cost of Living
86%

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

Memphis offers a median esl teacher salary of $48,160, which is $1,680 below the Tennessee state average of $49,840. Compared to the national median of $56,000, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis'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 Memphis an attractive option for esl teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for esl teachers in Memphis 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. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

ESL Teacher Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, 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 Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
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 Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$56,000
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$51,520
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$49,280
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$49,280
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Memphis

Education

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

Find ESL Teacher Jobs in Memphis

Browse open esl teacher positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Memphis

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Memphis, Tennessee 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 Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,160, a esl teacher in Memphis earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for esl teacher pay? ▼
Memphis's median esl teacher salary of $48,160 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $49,840. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a esl teacher salary of $48,160 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esl teacher in Memphis? ▼
Most esl teacher positions in Memphis 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.