Creative & Education Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

ESL Teacher Salary in Virginia

The median esl teacher salary in Virginia is $58,240 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $56,000.

Median Salary
$58,240
vs National
+$2,240
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

ESL Teacher Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for esl teacher compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for esl teacher pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $58,240 per year, esl teachers in Virginia earn $2,240 more than the national median of $56,000.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning esl teacher salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: esl teachers at the 10th percentile earn $37,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $91,520 — a $54,080 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $73,920.

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 Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $39,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,360 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,520
+$1,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,280
+$2,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,360
+$3,360 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $37,440
25th Percentile $45,760
Median (50th) $58,240
75th Percentile $74,880
90th Percentile $91,520

ESL Teacher Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for esl teachers in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

ESL MethodsLesson PlanningCultural CompetencyAssessmentPatienceCommunication

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Virginia

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Virginia? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Virginia is $58,240 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $37,440 (10th percentile) to $91,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,240, a esl teacher in Virginia earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for esl teachers? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for esl teacher pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level esl teachers earn $39,520, while senior professionals earn $87,360.
How does Virginia compare to other states for esl teacher salary? ▼
The highest paying state for esl teachers is Hawaii at $95,200. Virginia's median of $58,240 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($58,800) and Rhode Island ($58,800).
What is the entry-level esl teacher salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level esl teacher in Virginia earns approximately $39,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $59,280. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $87,360.
What city in Virginia pays esl teachers the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for esl teachers, with a median salary of $73,920. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.