Creative & Education Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

ESL Teacher Salary in Houston, Texas

The median esl teacher salary in Houston, TX is $53,760 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$53,760
vs State Avg
+$2,240
vs National
$-2,240
Cost of Living
96%

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

Houston offers a median esl teacher salary of $53,760, which is $2,240 above the Texas state average of $51,520. Compared to the national median of $56,000, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $34,560 at the 10th percentile to $84,480 at the 90th percentile — a $49,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,480, while senior esl teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,640. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

ESL Teacher Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $36,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,640 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

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

ESL Teacher Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Houston

Education

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

Find ESL Teacher Jobs in Houston

Browse open esl teacher positions in Houston, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Houston

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Houston, Texas 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 Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,760, a esl teacher in Houston earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for esl teacher pay? ▼
Houston's median esl teacher salary of $53,760 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $51,520. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a esl teacher salary of $53,760 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esl teacher in Houston? ▼
Most esl teacher positions in Houston 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.