How to Become an Adult Education / ESL Instructor
Teach adults the literacy, language, and high-school-equivalency skills that reopen doors. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $61,540 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$61,540/yr
Job growth
-1%
Openings / yr
3,900
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Adult Learning Strategies
- ESL Instruction
- Curriculum Adaptation
- Cultural Competence
- Assessment
Helpful certifications
- TESOL/TEFL certification
- State adult education licensure
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- School Principal (K-12 Administrator)$105,870 median
- College Administrator (Postsecondary)$104,590 median
- School Psychologist$95,990 median
- Instructional Coordinator$77,440 median
- Teacher (Secondary Education)$72,040 median
- Librarian$68,270 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Adult Education / ESL Instructor make?
The median pay for an Adult Education / ESL Instructor is $61,540 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become an Adult Education / ESL Instructor?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Education, English, Linguistics, and Communications.
Is Adult Education / ESL Instructor a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about -1% over the decade, with roughly 3,900 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Adult Education / ESL Instructor use most?
Common skills for this role are Adult Learning Strategies, ESL Instruction, Curriculum Adaptation, Cultural Competence, and Assessment.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.