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Special Education Teacher Salary in Atlanta, GA

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

Median Salary
$57,570
per year in Atlanta
Entry Level
$38,945
Starting salary
Senior Level
$78,736
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
111
11% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$38,945$57,570$78,736
Monthly$3,245$4,798$6,561
Biweekly$1,498$2,214$3,028
Weekly$749$1,107$1,514
Hourly$19$28$38

Atlanta vs National Average

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

Atlanta Salary
$57,570
COL Index: 111
National Average
$73,020
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$15,450
Lower in Atlanta

Cost of Living in Atlanta

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,600
per month
Median Income
$62,348
per year
Population
498,044
residents
Rent % of Income
30.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 111 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Atlanta 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
+70%
Los Angeles, CA
$87,600
+52%
Chicago, IL
$62,800
+9%
Houston, TX
$66,140
+15%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,837
+27%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Special Education Teacher Salary in Atlanta, GA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a special education teacher in Atlanta, GA is $57,570 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 111. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Atlanta's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level special education teacher professionals in Atlanta can expect to earn around $38,945 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level special education teachers earning approximately $78,736 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Atlanta's cost of living index of 111 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Atlanta 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 Atlanta typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,600 per month, housing represents about 33.4% 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 Atlanta, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.