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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors

Median Salary
60,560
Job Outlook
-13%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential.

What is the job outlook?

Employment of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers is projected to decline 13 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 4,100 openings for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$33,290

10%

$60,560

Median

$124,480

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    40%

  • Master's degree

    19%

  • High school

    11%

  • Associate's degree

    11%

  • Post baccalaureate

    11%

  • Some college

    3%

  • Post-master's certificate

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor
  • Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching
  • Multicultural Education
  • Bilingual and Multilingual Education
  • Adult Literacy Tutor/Instructor
  • Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language, Other
  • Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education, Other

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Leadership

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • English Language
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • Geography
  • Administrative

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.