Are you an international teacher or English-language expert looking to work in the United States? The demand for qualified English teachers continues to grow across American public schools, private institutions, charter schools, community colleges, and language centers. Many institutions are also ready to sponsor work visas for skilled foreign professionals.
This guide explains everything you need to know about English Teaching Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship, including eligibility, job types, salaries, visa options, application steps, and where to find employers currently hiring.
Overview of English Teaching Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship
The USA consistently hires international English teachers due to teacher shortages, growing immigrant populations, increased enrollment in ESL (English as a Second Language) programs, and high demand for bilingual educators. Schools often prefer applicants with TESOL, TEFL, or CELTA certifications, and many provide J-1 Visa, H-1B Visa, or O-1 Visa sponsorship for qualified candidates.
English teaching roles are available at:
- Public elementary and high schools
- Charter and private schools
- International schools
- Adult education centers
- Universities and community colleges
- Online English tutoring companies
- Language institutes
English teacher salary in the United States
How much does an English Teacher make in the United States? The average salary is $56,905 to $89,254 per year. However, the salary can be based on the years of experience, level of education, and location.
| Job title | Hourly | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | Yearly |
| English teacher | $42.06 to $65.97 | $434 to $681 | $1,041 to $1,633 | $4,029 to $6,319 | $56,905- $89,254 |
Why the USA Hires International English Teachers
Several factors drive demand:
- Teacher shortages in rural and urban districts
- Rising number of English language learners (ELL students)
- Need for multilingual teaching staff
- Schools seeking diversity and global teaching perspectives
- Specialized demand for ESL/ESOL instructors
Highest Paying Cities for English Teachers near the United States
There are different cities to relocate to with a low cost of living, and below are some of them so far:
| City | Average Monthly Salary |
| Newark, NJ | $5,393 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $4,967 |
| New York, NY | $4,607 |
| Chicago, IL | $4,104 |
| Charlotte, NC | $3,726 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $3,466 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $3,457 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $3,141 |
| China, ME | $2,152 |
Types of English Teaching Jobs Available for Foreign Teachers
Here are the most common teaching roles in the United States for international workers:
K-12 English Teacher
Description: Teaches English Language Arts to elementary, middle, or high school students. Responsibilities include lesson planning, grading, and fostering reading and writing skills.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in English, Education, or a related field.
- State teaching license or certification.
- Previous teaching experience (preferred).
Average Salary: Approximately $50,000 – $65,000 per year.
Key Skills:
Classroom Management: Ability to maintain a structured, respectful learning environment.
Curriculum Design: Creating engaging and relevant lesson plans.
Communication: Strong verbal and written skills to communicate with students, parents, and colleagues.
ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher
Description: Focuses on teaching English to non-native speakers, often in language programs within schools or language institutes.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (usually in English, Linguistics, or Education).
- TESOL/TEFL certification (required for many ESL positions).
- Experience working with multilingual learners (preferred).
Average Salary: Approximately $45,000 – $60,000 per year, depending on location and experience.
Key Skills:
Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds.
Adaptability: Flexible approach to meet students at different language proficiency levels.
Instructional Skills: Proficiency in using language teaching methods and strategies.
College/University Lecturer
Description: Teaches English, including literature, writing, or ESL courses, at colleges and universities.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in English, Literature, Education, or related field (PhD preferred for some positions).
- Previous experience in higher education (usually preferred).
- Strong academic background and subject matter expertise.
Average Salary: Approximately $60,000 – $80,000 per year, varying by institution and academic level.
Key Skills:
Analytical Thinking: Ability to engage students in critical discussions and analyses.
Research Skills: For professors, ongoing research and publication may be required.
Mentoring: Supporting students’ academic and professional development.
Private English Tutor
Description: Provides one-on-one English tutoring, often focused on specific areas like essay writing, exam preparation, or conversational skills.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in English or Education (sometimes required).
- TESOL/TEFL certification (for ESL-focused tutors).
- Experience or certification in tutoring (beneficial but not always required).
Average Salary: Approximately $25 – $50 per hour, depending on experience and location.
Key Skills:
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport and motivate individual students.
Tailored Instruction: Creating personalized lessons to meet students’ needs.
Patience and Empathy: Working with students at varying skill levels.
Online English Teacher
Description: Teaches English remotely, usually through virtual classrooms or tutoring platforms, to students of all ages around the world.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in English, Education, or a related field.
- TEFL/TESOL certification (often required for ESL-focused roles).
- Familiarity with virtual teaching platforms and tools.
Average Salary: Approximately $15 – $35 per hour, depending on the platform and level of experience.
Key Skills:
Technical Proficiency: Comfortable with online teaching software and virtual classroom tools.
Engagement Strategies: Ability to create an interactive and engaging online environment.
Time Management: Efficiently managing time zones and varying schedules.
Top Schools Offering English Teaching Jobs with a Visa in the USA
Below are the best organizations offering visa sponsorship for English teachers in the USA:
| School | Website | Average Rating | Average Salary (Per Hour) |
| Global LT | www.global-lt.com | 4.1 (123 reviews) | $25 – $35 |
| C2 Education | www.c2educate.com | 3.2 (251 reviews) | $18 – $25 |
| Fusion Academy | www.fusionacademy.com | 3.1 (334 reviews) | $30 – $45 |
| National Heritage Academies | www.nhaschools.com | 3.2 (392 reviews) | $20 – $28 |
| Hawaii State Department of Education | www.hawaiipublicschools.org | 3.6 (188 reviews) | $22 – $30 |
| IDEA Public Schools | www.ideapublicschools.org | 2.9 (427 reviews) | $15 – $22 |
| Vanguard College Prep | www.vanguardprep.com | 2.5 (37 reviews) | $20 – $30 |
| Stride, Inc. | www.stridelearning.com | 3.1 (498 reviews) | $18 – $25 |
| WNYRIC Districts | www.wnyric.org | – | $25 – $35 |
| Berlitz Corporation | www.berlitz.com | 3.7 (984 reviews) | $20 – $28 |
Visa Options for English Teachers in the USA
- J-1 Visa (Teacher Exchange Program): Perfect for teachers with at least two years of experience. Covers K-12 teaching roles.
- H-1B Visa (Skilled Worker Visa): For foreign teachers with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in education or English.
- O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability): For highly experienced or award-winning English educators.
- EB-3 Visa (Permanent Residence — Skilled Workers): Some schools sponsor teachers for U.S. green card after employment.
Eligibility Requirements for English Teaching Jobs in the USA
To qualify for visa-sponsored English teaching jobs, applicants typically need:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher (usually in English, Literature, Education, or Linguistics)
- Teaching license or certification (depending on state)
- TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, or ESL certification
- Minimum of 1–3 years of teaching experience
- Strong English proficiency (native or near-native level)
- Clean criminal background check
- Ability to relocate to the USA
Some states offer Alternative Teacher Certification Programs to help foreign teachers become fully licensed after arrival.
Skills Required for English Teaching Roles
Schools look for:
- Strong grammar, writing, and communication skills
- Classroom management skills
- Ability to teach diverse, multicultural students
- Lesson planning and curriculum development
- Patience and adaptability
- Creativity and teaching innovation
- Online teaching skills (for digital classrooms)
Salary Outlook for English Teaching Jobs in the USA
Salaries vary by state and institution. Below is the general range:
- ESL Teachers: $38,000 – $62,000 per year
- English Language Arts Teachers: $45,000 – $72,000 per year
- College English Instructors: $55,000 – $95,000 per year
- Online English Teachers: $14 – $45 per hour
- Private Language Schools: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
States like New York, California, Washington, Texas, and Massachusetts tend to offer the highest pay.
Top States Hiring English Teachers with Visa Sponsorship
- Texas – Large ESL population, many vacancies
- Florida – Growing demand for bilingual teachers
- New York – High-paying and diverse school districts
- California – Huge need for ESL teachers
- Nevada – Shortage of licensed teachers
- Arizona – Thousands of ESL job openings yearly
- North Carolina – Active J-1 and H-1B sponsorship programs
Duties and Responsibilities of an English Teacher in the USA
Typical job duties include:
- Teaching grammar, reading, writing, vocabulary, and speaking
- Preparing daily lesson plans
- Grading assignments and providing feedback
- Monitoring student progress
- Classroom management
- Organizing student activities
- Communicating with parents and school administrators
- Using technology and digital teaching platforms
How to Apply for English Teaching Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship
Follow these steps:
Prepare Your Teaching Credentials
- Degree certificates
- Teaching license
- TEFL/TESOL certification
- CV and professional resume
- Criminal background checks
- Search for U.S. Schools Hiring Foreign Teachers: Use school district websites or major job boards.
- Apply Directly or Through Sponsoring Agencies: Examples include J-1 visa teacher exchange sponsors.
- Attend Interviews (Virtual or In-Person): Show your teaching experience, lesson planning skills, and classroom management style.
- Receive a Job Offer: Your employer will initiate the visa sponsorship.
- Complete Visa Application Steps: Pay fees, attend the embassy interview, and receive your visa.
- Travel to the USA and Start Work
Best Websites to Find English Teaching Jobs in the USA
- Indeed
- Glassdoor
- LinkedIn Jobs
- TeachAway
- ESL Employment
- Jooble
- SchoolSpring
- ZipRecruiter
- SimplyHired
- Education Week Jobs
Benefits of Working as an English Teacher in the USA
- Competitive salaries
- Health insurance and retirement plans
- Paid holidays and generous leave
- Career growth opportunities
- Cultural exchange and professional development
- Opportunity to apply for a U.S. green card (in some cases)
Challenges International Applicants May Face
- Strict licensing requirements
- High cost of living in some states
- Adjusting to American classroom culture
- Heavy paperwork for visas
- Competition for H-1B slots
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Sponsored
- Complete a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification
- Gain 2+ years of teaching experience
- Apply to shortage areas (Texas, Nevada, Arizona)
- Use professional teaching portfolios
- Apply early for the next academic year
- Highlight bilingual skills
Why the USA is a Great Destination for English Teachers
The United States offers excellent career opportunities, competitive salaries, and clear pathways to long-term teaching careers for international educators.
With strong demand for ESL and English teachers, visa sponsorship is more accessible than ever.
Whether you want to teach in K-12 schools, colleges, or language centers, the USA remains one of the best destinations for qualified English teachers.
FAQs
Can foreign teachers work as English teachers in the USA?
Yes. Many schools sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas for qualified English teachers.
Do I need a teaching license to teach English in the USA?
Some states require one, while others allow foreign teachers to start under an alternative certification program.
Which visa is best for English teaching jobs?
Most teachers use the J-1 Visa, followed by the H-1B for long-term roles.
Do American schools hire non-native English speakers?
Yes, as long as you demonstrate advanced English proficiency and meet requirements.
How much do English teachers earn in the USA?
On average, English teachers earn $40,000 to $72,000 per year, depending on state and experience.
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