Creative & Education Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

ESL Teacher Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median esl teacher salary in Tacoma, WA is $61,600 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$61,600
vs State Avg
$-2,800
vs National
+$5,600
Cost of Living
110%

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

Tacoma offers a median esl teacher salary of $61,600, which is $2,800 below the Washington state average of $64,400. Compared to the national median of $56,000, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $39,600 at the 10th percentile to $96,800 at the 90th percentile — a $57,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,800, while senior esl teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,400. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

ESL Teacher Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $41,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,800
+$3,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,700
+$5,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
+$8,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $39,600
25th Percentile $48,400
Median (50th) $61,600
75th Percentile $79,200
90th Percentile $96,800

ESL Teacher Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Tacoma

Education

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

Find ESL Teacher Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open esl teacher positions in Tacoma, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Tacoma

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Tacoma, Washington is $61,600 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $39,600 (10th percentile) to $96,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,600, a esl teacher in Tacoma earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for esl teacher pay? ▼
Tacoma's median esl teacher salary of $61,600 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $64,400. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a esl teacher salary of $61,600 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esl teacher in Tacoma? ▼
Most esl teacher positions in Tacoma 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.