Today we are discussing some of the top online ESL companies that pay well.
This is the dream of many-a-professional; however, said pros often have a hard time seeing the reality of their dream, or they view it simply as a “pipe” dream, especially if they feel like the skills that they do have don’t equate to the work-from-home lifestyle.
There are a myriad of jobs that can be done from home that folks couldn’t do 5, 10, or even 20 years ago – and one such job is ESL tutoring.
With the advent of video chat, online schools, and, well, the internet, ESL tutoring doesn’t have to be in-person or in the same location; it can be done anywhere, anytime, with any accredited teacher or experienced tutor. And some of these jobs pay well – with many workers averaging $18/hour or more for online ESL tutoring work.
But where can you find such a job, you may ask? Dive into the wonderful world of remote ESL teaching with us – and we’ll tell you just how to get started on your career path.
10 ESL Companies That Pay Up To $18+ Hourly
1 – Education First
With Education First, teachers make their own schedule and can teach almost anywhere, 24/7. You can teach kids or adults, which is a great bonus if you prefer older learners.
Pay: Over $18 hourly on average (from Indeed)
Countries: 117 countries worldwide; must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (any field), minimum 40-hour TEFL certificate or equivalent experience.
2 – iTalki
iTalki is a global marketplace connecting ESL tutors with millions of learners. You set your own rates and schedule, making it one of the most flexible platforms.
Pay: Set your own rates
Countries: Global
Requirements: Native fluency in the language you want to teach.
3 – Skooli
Known for advanced topics and academic tutoring as well as ESL, Skooli pays top rates for qualified instructors. You’ll need solid credentials, but it may be worth it for the pay.
Pay: $25/hour
Countries: Global
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, teaching certificate (state or provisional), Master’s or PhD preferred, ESL certification.
4 – Learnlight
Learnlight focuses on providing business English and corporate language training to adult professionals worldwide. With steady demand and competitive pay, it’s a strong choice for experienced ESL tutors looking to work with adult learners.
Pay: $18–$25/hour
Countries: Global
Requirements: Minimum 2 years of language teaching experience, TEFL or equivalent certification, bachelor’s degree preferred
5 – Preply
Preply is a global online tutoring platform that lets you set your own rates and hours. Many ESL tutors report making $20/hour or more, especially as they gain regular students.
Pay: Set your own rate
Countries: Global
Requirements: Native or near-native English fluency; no formal degree required but teaching experience helps.
6 – AmazingTalker
AmazingTalker offers flexible online ESL tutoring with students of all ages, and you control your hourly rate. Some tutors report making $20–$30/hour.
Pay: Average $18–$30/hour (depending on rates set and demand)
Countries: Global
Requirements: Strong English fluency; teaching certification preferred but not always required.
7 – Cambly
Cambly offers super casual, conversation-based ESL tutoring — you chat with adult learners or kids wanting to practice English. The pay is lower, but bonus incentives can push it over $18/hour.
Pay: Base ~$10–$12/hour, but with bonuses and peak times can exceed $18/hour
Countries: Global
Requirements: Native English fluency, no formal teaching degree or certificate required.
8 – Lingoda
Lingoda hires qualified ESL teachers to deliver structured lessons to adults and kids. With steady hours and competitive pay, it’s one of the stronger companies in the ESL space.
Pay: $20–$25/hour
Countries: Global
Requirements: ESL certificate (TEFL, CELTA, TESOL), teaching experience, reliable internet connection.
9 – Fluentbe
Fluentbe is a smaller but growing European platform where you teach one-on-one ESL lessons, mostly to adults.
Pay: $18–$25/hour
Countries: Global (focus on European students)
Requirements: Native English speaker, teaching certificate, prior teaching experience.
10 – Kaplan International
Kaplan occasionally hires remote ESL tutors, though you’ll need to live in the same city where the position is posted. Still, it’s a major name and can be great for career growth.
Pay: $25/hour (full-time roles)
Countries: U.S. cities (location-specific remote roles)
Requirements: Related qualifications and teaching experience.
So that wraps up our list! If you are interested in ESL tutoring as a remote work option, but you also need to make over a certain amount hourly, hopefully you will find some promising leads in this list.
For other remote ESL tutoring companies as well as many other remote jobs in the education industry, check out this list of 60+.
Looking for Even More ESL Teaching Jobs?
If you want to explore even more legit ESL opportunities, check out FlexJobs.
They hand-screen every job listing, so you don’t have to worry about scams or time-wasters.
You’ll find ESL roles from reputable companies all over the world — many paying well above minimum wage and offering flexible schedules.
FlexJobs charges just $2.95 for 14 days of full access, and you can cancel anytime if you’re not satisfied. It’s a smart, low-risk way to expand your job search!
Go here to check out FlexJobs if you're interested.
Good luck!
Photo by Anna Shvets: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-on-a-video-call-4226256/
Anna Jones is a bicoastal writer, editor, and producer currently living in Atlanta, GA. She is the proud owner of Girl.Copy, a freelance copywriting and editing business that specializes in creating stellar content in the fashion, technology, marketing, and design sectors. She has a husband, human baby, and fur baby that are her favorite parts of any day. She enjoys traveling, reading, and a nice cold Diet Coke while taking an uninterrupted shower. If you want to internet stalk her or make a business inquiry, check out her website at: www.girlcopy.org.