ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Second Language Acquisition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSecond Language Acquisition Jobs

Second Language Acquisition information

See salary details

$34K

$125.8K

$182.5K

How much do second language acquisition jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for second language acquisition in the United States is $125,764.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $149,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is second language acquisition?

Second Language Acquisition (SLA) refers to the process by which people learn a language other than their native one. This field of study examines how individuals acquire a new language, the stages they go through, and the factors that influence success, such as age, motivation, and learning environment. SLA is important in education, linguistics, and cognitive science, as it helps inform teaching methods and language policy. Researchers in SLA investigate how learners develop language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a second language acquisition specialist?

To thrive as a Second Language Acquisition Specialist, you typically need a background in linguistics, applied linguistics, or education, often supported by an advanced degree and experience in language teaching or research. Familiarity with language assessment tools, curriculum design software, and relevant research methodologies is common in this field. Strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and analytical thinking are crucial soft skills to effectively support diverse learners and collaborate with educators. These skills ensure the development and implementation of effective language learning strategies, promoting successful language acquisition for students.

What are common challenges faced by professionals in second language acquisition, and how can they address them?

Professionals in Second Language Acquisition often encounter challenges such as adapting teaching methods to diverse learner backgrounds, maintaining student motivation, and staying updated with evolving linguistic research. Addressing these challenges involves employing a variety of instructional strategies, encouraging interactive and culturally relevant activities, and participating in ongoing professional development. Collaboration with colleagues and leveraging technology can also help create a supportive learning environment and improve outcomes for language learners.

What is the difference between Second Language Acquisition vs ESL Teacher?

AspectSecond Language AcquisitionESL Teacher
Required CredentialsLanguage or linguistics degrees, certifications in language teachingTESOL/TEFL certification, teaching credentials
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, language learning programs, academic institutionsClassroom settings, language schools, online teaching
Industry UsageAcademic research, language development, curriculum designLanguage instruction, student assessment, classroom management

Second Language Acquisition focuses on understanding how people learn additional languages, often through research and theoretical frameworks. In contrast, an ESL Teacher applies practical teaching methods to help students learn English as a second language. While both roles involve language learning, Second Language Acquisition is more research-oriented, whereas ESL Teaching is more instructional and classroom-based.

More about Second Language Acquisition jobs

What cities are hiring for Second Language Acquisition jobs?

Cities with the most Second Language Acquisition job openings:

What states have the most Second Language Acquisition jobs?

States with the most job openings for Second Language Acquisition jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Second Language Acquisition jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Second Language Acquisition jobs are:

Second Language Acquisition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Second Language Acquisition job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,764 per year, or $60.5 per hour.

English Language Acquisition Instructor

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

Davenport, IA • On-site

$19.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
English Language Acquisition Instructor
Job Category
C1
Job Type
Continuing Education Instructor
Supervisor's Title
Dean of Adult Education
Location
Other, See Job Description
Job Description
Under limited supervision, the English Language Acquisition (ELA) Instructor is responsible for providing creative instructional solutions in the delivery of the adult basic education and English Language development. Instruction may be in all or some of the following subject areas: Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Oral Communication, civics, citizenship, and job performance. The ELA instructor shall create lesson and unit instructional plans that support the designed learning outcomes for successful integration into higher education and/or the workplace.
Location: West Liberty WeLead Center
Required Qualifications
1. Bachelor's degree required.
2. Teaching and/or counseling experience, preferably in Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, or other related field.
3. Proven experience working with high risk populations.
4. Ability to work with a diverse student and public population.
5. Exceptional communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Experience with face-to-face and digital instructional formats preferred.
2. Bilingual in English and a second language preferred.
Physical Demands
This role may have prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and/or speaking.
Salary
$19.50/HR
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provide high-quality instruction in basic and advanced English language acquisition skills to non-native speakers
2. Work with program administrator to assess needs of ELA students and to design and implement lesson plans that effectively support identified learning outcomes
3. Implement teaching strategies to support English language acquisition among non-native speakers
4. Integrate 21st Century Workplace Skills, including career awareness and exploration, essential job skills, civics, digital literacy, critical thinking, effective communication, and workforce preparation into curriculum and instruction.
5. Incorporate contextual learning strategies that create connections between instruction and real-world applications
6. Provide counseling and mentoring support to newly arriving students
7. Plan and implement learning strategies appropriate for meeting student and program learning outcomes
8. Assist students in identifying next steps for continuing education and/or entering and succeeding in the workforce
9. Engage in professional development activities and actively seek information about developing trends and ideas (Required professional development hours: 12 hours per year - first year instructors must complete an additional 6 hours of orientation).
10. Commit to providing quality service that meets or exceeds the expectation of internal and external customers
Perform all other duties as assigned.
EICC Non-Discrimination Statement
It is the policy of Eastern Iowa Community College District not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status, as required by the Iowa Code §§216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).
If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact EICC's Equal Employment Opportunity Officer/Equity Coordinator, Eastern Iowa Community College District, 101 West Third Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801, 563-336-5222, equity@eicc.edu or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: 303-844-5695. FAX: 303-844-4303; TDD: 800-877-8339 or Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S200P
Number of Vacancies
1
Open Date
03/25/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions Summary
Budget code: 02-40-03-05129-52100

Apply