Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and ESL Instructors: Salary, How to Become One, and Job Outlook (2025)
The median salary for Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and ESL Instructors is $61,540 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With a typical range from $41,810 to $98,030, pay largely depends on location and whether you work for a school district, community college, or nonprofit. About 37,310 people held these jobs nationwide in 2024.
How much Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors earn
Median annual earnings are $61,540, which works out to roughly $30 per hour. The lowest 10% earn $41,810 or less, while the highest 10% take home $98,030 or more. Pay can vary by employer type — public schools and colleges tend to pay more than community-based organizations.
Experience and advanced credentials push salaries higher. For example, instructors with a master’s degree or state teaching license often land at the top of the pay scale. Full-time positions are more common in urban areas with large immigrant populations or high school equivalency programs.
Pay by state
California tops the list at $102,030 average annual pay, followed by New Jersey ($81,100), Delaware ($78,600), New York ($78,010), and Minnesota ($76,800). These states typically have higher cost of living and stronger union protections.
On the lower end, South Dakota pays just $35,760, Arkansas $43,240, and Hawaii $44,600. Hawaii’s low figure is notable given its high cost of living. If you’re willing to relocate, choosing a high-paying state can boost your earnings by $40,000 or more above the national median.
How to become Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructor
Most jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. For ESL, a degree in TESOL, linguistics, or a related field is common. For adult basic education or secondary education, many employers prefer a teaching license or a certificate in adult education.
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor's degree in education, English, or a foreign language (for ESL).
- State teaching license or adult education credential (varies by state).
- For public school positions, a master's degree may be needed within a few years of hire.
- Experience working with adult learners, often gained through tutoring or volunteer programs.
- For ESL, fluency in a second language is helpful but not always required.
Job outlook
Employment for adult education and ESL instructors is projected to decline by 13.7% from 2024 to 2034. That’s much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS expects about 3,900 openings each year, mostly to replace workers who leave the field.
The decline is driven by shrinking federal and state funding for adult education programs, as well as competition from online learning platforms and community college credit programs. However, areas with high immigration may see steady demand for ESL instructors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for Adult Basic Education and ESL Instructors in 2025?
The national median salary is $61,540 per year. The typical range is $41,810 to $98,030. Pay varies by state and employer.
How do I become an adult education instructor?
You typically need a bachelor's degree, a state teaching license or adult education certificate, and experience with adult learners. For ESL, a degree in TESOL or a related field is common.
Is the job outlook good for adult education instructors?
No. Employment is projected to decline by 13.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 3,900 openings per year. Funding cuts and online alternatives are reducing demand.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors data.