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English Teacher at a glance
- Main tasks
- Plan and teach lessons on grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing and speaking, adapt lessons to the students' level and goals and prepare students for exams such as IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge
- Typical entry
- Bachelor's degree, ideally in English, linguistics or education
- Average pay
- $58,000 per year in the U.S.
What does an English Teacher do?
An English Teacher helps students read, write, speak and understand English. In native-speaking countries, the focus is on literature, essay writing and language skills in schools. Abroad and online, English teachers usually teach English as a foreign language (EFL/ESL) to children, adults or business clients. Lessons combine grammar, vocabulary, conversation and listening practice, and many teachers prepare students for exams such as IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge certificates.
English Teacher duties and responsibilities
Typical tasks in an English Teacher job:
- Plan and teach lessons on grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing and speaking
- Adapt lessons to the students' level and goals
- Prepare students for exams such as IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge
- Correct written work and give clear feedback
- Use books, digital tools and authentic material in class
- Track progress and report to students, parents or the school
Qualifications and skills
Education & qualifications
- Bachelor's degree, ideally in English, linguistics or education
- For schools: teaching license; for language schools: TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certificate
- Fluent or native-level English
- Experience teaching groups or one-to-one
Skills & requirements
- Clear pronunciation and communication
- Patience with learners of all levels
- Cultural awareness, especially when teaching abroad
- Reliable internet and setup for online teaching
English Teacher salary 2026
The average salary for an English Teacher in the U.S. is about $58,000 per year. Pay depends on experience, employer, industry and region:
- Entry level0-2 years $43,500
- Mid level3-5 years $52,200
- Experienced6-10 years $58,000
- Senior11+ years $63,800
- Top earners20+ years $72,500
Based on public data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale. Career-level figures are estimates derived from the national average.
English Teacher career path
Many English Teachers start at language schools or online platforms after a TEFL or CELTA course, while school teachers follow the regular path of degree and license.
With experience, teachers can move into senior teacher or director of studies roles, teacher training, exam preparation, business English or materials and curriculum development. Some build their own online teaching business.
Work environment
English Teachers work in schools, language centers, companies or from home when teaching online. Schedules vary: schools follow the school day, while language centers and online teaching often include evenings and weekends.
Teaching abroad is common in this field and often comes with contracts for one or two years.
Open English Teacher jobs
Current positions on Cityjobs that match this profile, posted directly by employers.
Frequently asked questions
What does an English Teacher do?
An English Teacher helps students read, write, speak and understand English. In native-speaking countries, the focus is on literature, essay writing and language skills in schools. Abroad and online, English teachers usually teach English as a foreign language (EFL/ESL) to children, adults or business clients.
How much does an English Teacher earn?
The average salary for an English Teacher in the U.S. is about $58,000 per year. Entry-level pay starts around $43,500, experienced professionals can reach $72,500 or more, depending on employer, region and experience.
What qualifications do you need to become an English Teacher?
Typical requirements are: bachelor's degree, ideally in English, linguistics or education, for schools: teaching license; for language schools: TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certificate, fluent or native-level English and experience teaching groups or one-to-one.
What is the career path for an English Teacher?
Many English Teachers start at language schools or online platforms after a TEFL or CELTA course, while school teachers follow the regular path of degree and license. With experience, teachers can move into senior teacher or director of studies roles, teacher training, exam preparation, business English or materials and curriculum development. Some build their own online teaching business.
Where do English Teachers work?
English Teachers work in schools, language centers, companies or from home when teaching online. Schedules vary: schools follow the school day, while language centers and online teaching often include evenings and weekends.
About this profile: This English Teacher job description is based on public sources such as the BLS and Payscale and was structured with the help of AI. It is a general orientation; duties, requirements and pay differ by employer, country and experience.
