Creative & Education Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

ESL Teacher Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median esl teacher salary in Nashville, TN is $56,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$56,000
vs State Avg
+$6,160
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Nashville offers a median esl teacher salary of $56,000, which is $6,160 above the Tennessee state average of $49,840. Compared to the national median of $56,000, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% 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 Nashville spans from $36,000 at the 10th percentile to $88,000 at the 90th percentile — a $52,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,000, while senior esl teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,000. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

ESL Teacher Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $38,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
10th Percentile $36,000
25th Percentile $44,000
Median (50th) $56,000
75th Percentile $72,000
90th Percentile $88,000

ESL Teacher Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Murfreesboro, TN
$51,520
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$49,280
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$49,280
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$48,160
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Nashville

Education

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

Find ESL Teacher Jobs in Nashville

Browse open esl teacher positions in Nashville, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Nashville

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $56,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $36,000 (10th percentile) to $88,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,000, a esl teacher in Nashville earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for esl teacher pay? ▼
Nashville's median esl teacher salary of $56,000 is 12.4% above the Tennessee state average of $49,840. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a esl teacher salary of $56,000 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esl teacher in Nashville? ▼
Most esl teacher positions in Nashville 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.