📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

ESL Teachers Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$94,316
per year
Median
$91,831
per year
Hourly
$45.34
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$63,707
25th Percentile — Junior$78,838
50th Percentile — Median$91,831
75th Percentile — Senior$112,885
90th Percentile — Top Earners$124,735
💡 Top-earning ESL Teacherss in California make up to $124,735 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$84.6k
2021
$86.5k
2022
$88.4k
2023
$90.3k
2024
$92.3k
2025
$94.3k
2026
📈 ESL Teachers salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.2% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
ESL Teachers Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $146,190 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $139,588 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $162,224 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $174,485 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $101,861 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $115,066 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $136,758 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $101,861 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $133,929 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $132,042 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $120,724 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $111,293 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $146,190 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $111,293 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $105,634 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $115,066 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $108,463 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $139,588 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $150,906 +60.0% Medium
🔍
ESL Teachers Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for ESL Teacherss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $94,316 per year, California's ESL Teachers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $63,707–$78,838, while experienced ESL Teacherss can command $112,885–$124,735.

Looking ahead, the ESL Teachers profession in California is projected to grow at 2.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average ESL Teachers salary in California is $94,316 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $66,420.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay ESL Teacherss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for ESL Teachers employment.
  • At $94,316/year, California ESL Teachers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $66,420/year.