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Special Education Teacher Salary in Athens, AL

How much does a special education teacher make in Athens? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Athens's cost of living.

Median Salary
$49,099
per year in Athens
Entry Level
$33,214
Starting salary
Senior Level
$67,150
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
82
18% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how special education teacher salaries break down across different pay periods in Athens.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$33,214$49,099$67,150
Monthly$2,768$4,092$5,596
Biweekly$1,277$1,888$2,583
Weekly$639$944$1,291
Hourly$16$24$32

Athens vs National Average

How Athens's special education teacher salaries compare to national figures.

Athens Salary
$49,099
COL Index: 82
National Average
$73,020
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$23,921
Lower in Athens

Cost of Living in Athens

1-Bedroom Rent
$720
per month
Median Income
$42,234
per year
Population
27,430
residents
Rent % of Income
20.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 82 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Athens have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Special Education Teacher

Overview

Teach students with disabilities and develop individualized education plans.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Special Education; Certification required

Key Skills

Special Education MethodsIEP DevelopmentDifferentiationStudent Assessment

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +13% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Special Education Teacher Salary

See Special Education Teacher salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$98,020
+100%
Los Angeles, CA
$87,600
+78%
Chicago, IL
$62,800
+28%
Houston, TX
$66,140
+35%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,837
+48%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Special Education Teacher Salary in Athens, AL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a special education teacher in Athens, AL is $49,099 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 82. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Athens's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level special education teacher professionals in Athens can expect to earn around $33,214 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level special education teachers earning approximately $67,150 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Athens's cost of living index of 82 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Athens are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $73,020, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a special education teacher's salary in Athens typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $720 per month, housing represents about 17.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Special Education Teachers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 13% over the next decade. In Athens, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.