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 Jul 22, 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 are some 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Second Language Acquisition Specialist, and why are they important?

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,764 per year, or $60.5 per hour.

English as a Second Language instructor (ESL)

ESL School

Bryn Athyn, PA • On-site

$14 - $28/hr

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Company Description
We provide English as a Second Language (ESL) education to adult
students and seek a dynamic and dedicated instructor to teach
non-academic classes 10-15 hours per week, $14-$28 per hour (salary
commensurate with education and experience). The schedule may include
Monday-Friday 10:45 AM - 4:10 PM and 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM. This position is for our Spring session,
which will begin in January, 2017.
Job Description
Our classes are organized, energetic, and deliver a well-rounded ESL curriculum to our students. Candidates must possess experience, enthusiasm, and a dedication to ESL education. Prospective candidates must be culturally sensitive as we have students from all over the globe. Candidates will be expected to work independently and be part of the team of faculty at our school. The person must be a self-starter and be able to prioritize and to handle multiple tasks concurrently. Experience with curriculum development and alignment is a plus. We may consider applicants who hold a bachelor's degree and are actively pursuing their masters in TESOL or related fields.
Qualifications
Please email your resume, desired start date, and expected compensation requirement.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- Experience in teaching English as a Second Language required
- Experience in teaching overseas a plus
- Strong written and communication skills required
- Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
- Ability to use a computer and MS Office applications required
- TESOL/TEFL/TESL/CELTA/DELTA certification and practicum experience.
Master's degree or higher in TESOL, or related fields is required for
teaching academic courses. If Master's degree is not in ESL or a closely
related field, such as applied linguistics or foreign language
pedagogy, candidate must have specific knowledge base that includes , at
a minimum, the following subject matter: language teaching methodology,
the nature of language/languages, the structure of English, second
language acquisition, intercultural communication, practicum experience.
Additional Information

Apply