Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Communicating clearly through speech while listening carefully to understand others.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers who work in public schools typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and a license or certification. PayThe median annual wage for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers was $61,540 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers is projected to decline 14 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 3,800 openings for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers was $61,540 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers is projected to decline 14 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 3,800 openings for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers is projected to decline 14 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 3,800 openings for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers instruct adults in fundamental skills, such as reading and speaking English. They also help students earn their high school equivalency credential.
Work Environment
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers are often employed by community colleges, community-based organizations, and public schools. Part-time work is common.
How to Become an Adult Basic or Secondary Education or ESL Teacher
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers who work in public schools typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and a license or certification.
Pay
The median annual wage for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers was $61,540 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers is projected to decline 14 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 3,800 openings for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers are often employed by community colleges, community-based organizations, and public schools. Part-time work is common.
How to Become an Adult Basic or Secondary Education or ESL Teacher
Adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers who work in public schools typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and a license or certification.
Pay
The median annual wage for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers was $61,540 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers is projected to decline 14 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 3,800 openings for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.