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The differences between language specialists and esl instructors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a language specialist, becoming an esl instructor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an esl instructor has an average salary of $53,226, which is higher than the $51,084 average annual salary of a language specialist.
The top three skills for a language specialist include english language, language and foreign language. The most important skills for an esl instructor are grammar, classroom management, and language.
| Language Specialist | ESL Instructor | |
| Yearly salary | $51,084 | $53,226 |
| Hourly rate | $24.56 | $25.59 |
| Growth rate | 12% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 21,614 | 26,173 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
A Language Specialist is responsible for transcribing an audio file into a written text format depending on the language used. Often, they need to interpret proceedings in the court, translate a foreign language like Arabic, Spanish into the English language and decode word forms. They ensure that the tone, style, and format meet the target language. This position specializes in the field of literature, politics, medicine, American and British Language. They must also have a wide range of knowledge in communication and knows how to resolve possible language barriers.
An ESL instructor is responsible for teaching the English language, usually to non-native speakers, discussing all the disciplines of the English language, both written and verbal, and in some cases, even its nature and history. ESL instructors create a comprehensive lesson plan for the English language learners, prepare learning materials, and conduct individual and group activities to test the learners' knowledge and progress. They also evaluate the learners' performance by identifying areas of improvement and adjust teaching strategies to address each learner's difficulties and maintain an engaging classroom environment.
Language specialists and esl instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Language Specialist | ESL Instructor | |
| Average salary | $51,084 | $53,226 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $75,000 | Between $36,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Rosa, CA | Mountain View, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Boston Public Schools |
| Best paying industry | Government | Retail |
There are a few differences between a language specialist and an esl instructor in terms of educational background:
| Language Specialist | ESL Instructor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | English | English |
| Most common college | Harvard University | Columbia University in the City of New York |
Here are the differences between language specialists' and esl instructors' demographics:
| Language Specialist | ESL Instructor | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.2% Female, 60.8% | Male, 35.0% Female, 65.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 16.0% White, 62.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 11.2% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 16% |