This study explored EFL teachers' emotional intelligence and their burnout in private language institutes in one city in Iran. This study also identified the emotional intelligence sub-categories that contribute mostly to burnout. To this end, the researchers administered the Bar On's EQ-I Self Report Scale questionnaire along with the Maslach Burnout Inventory to a sample of 63 Iranian teachers of English language in 11 private EFL institutes. Pearson correlation, multi-variable regression analysis, and two independent samples t-tests were run. The results revealed a significant relationship between teachers' emotional intelligence and the three dimensions of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment). The results also showed that categories of general mood and adaptability are the best predictors of teachers' burnout.