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What is an esl tutor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Diana Jones
introduction image

ESL tutors are responsible for teaching non-native English students and help them improve their reading, writing, and speaking abilities. They teach courses, answer student inquiries, build confidence, prepare students for exams and monitor their progress. They also provide a nurturing learning environment for students and ensure they achieve significant improvements in their productivity. ESL tutors earn an average salary of $37,000 annually or $18 per hour.

ESL tutors are professionals who help students achieve their goals by developing lesson plans conforming to the set syllabus. They transform the classroom atmosphere conducive to learning by providing required classroom facilities. They also test, evaluate, and counsel students concerning their academic performance and goals. Part of their duties also includes participating in staff meetings, in-house workshops, and ongoing teacher training programs.

ESL tutors typically hold a bachelor's degree in English or a related field. They are expected to have some years of experience as a tutor or in a similar role. Some employers prefer candidates with excellent command of the English language and the ability to teach students of all ages.

What general advice would you give to an esl tutor?

Dr. Diana JonesDr. Diana Jones LinkedIn profile

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

General advice: I would encourage graduates to find a mentor who can guide them in their careers, stay on top of the latest technology, not be too hard on themselves, be flexible, be team players, be present, and care about their students.
ScoreESL TutorUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $38,381

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
3.9

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.49%

Asian 11.44%

Black or African American 9.42%

Hispanic or Latino 15.70%

Unknown 5.84%

White 57.11%

Gender

female 72.42%

male 27.58%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
3.9

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
9.4

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Esl tutor career paths

Key steps to become an esl tutor

  1. Explore esl tutor education requirements

    Most common esl tutor degrees

    Bachelor's

    65.6 %

    Master's

    17.4 %

    Associate

    8.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific esl tutor skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Language25.34%
    English-Language11.10%
    English Language11.10%
    Grammar9.29%
    PowerPoint8.79%
  3. Complete relevant esl tutor training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New esl tutors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an esl tutor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real esl tutor resumes.
  4. Research esl tutor duties and responsibilities

    • Specialize in assisting low level learners using creative and modern teaching strategies to achieve unprecedent EFL movements.
    • Prepare educational instruction to an English language learner on literacy and effective communication skills.
    • Create and facilitate personalized weekly study plans for elementary school and middle school students and ESL students
    • Assist ESL students with classwork and homework, while promoting good study habits and fostering learning independence.
  5. Prepare your esl tutor resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your esl tutor resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an esl tutor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable esl tutor resume templates

    Build a professional esl tutor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your esl tutor resume.
    ESL Tutor Resume
    ESL Tutor Resume
    ESL Tutor Resume
    ESL Tutor Resume
    ESL Tutor Resume
    ESL Tutor Resume
    ESL Tutor Resume
    ESL Tutor Resume
    ESL Tutor Resume
  6. Apply for esl tutor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an esl tutor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first esl tutor job

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Are you an esl tutor?

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Average esl tutor salary

The average esl tutor salary in the United States is $38,381 per year or $18 per hour. Esl tutor salaries range between $30,000 and $47,000 per year.

Average esl tutor salary
$38,381 Yearly
$18.45 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do esl tutors rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

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2 stars

1 star

Esl tutor reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2021
Pros

Making a difference in the lives of students and their families.

Cons

I do not enjoy the copious amounts of ever increasing paperwork.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Pros

The pedagogical autonomy. Teaching is an art and every year is (and should be) different. I recreate goals, programs and targets according to the needs of the students each year. Maine is an incredible place to teach as it doesn't require 3 page (or more lesson plans for each day. The admins are supportive and teachers are encouraged to improve and change their craft as needed.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Cons

Over-sized classes because it is difficult to maximize learning.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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