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Special Education Teacher Salary in Cedar Falls, IA

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

Median Salary
$51,494
per year in Cedar Falls
Entry Level
$34,834
Starting salary
Senior Level
$70,426
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
86
14% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$34,834$51,494$70,426
Monthly$2,903$4,291$5,869
Biweekly$1,340$1,981$2,709
Weekly$670$990$1,354
Hourly$17$25$34

Cedar Falls vs National Average

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

Cedar Falls Salary
$51,494
COL Index: 86
National Average
$73,020
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$21,526
Lower in Cedar Falls

Cost of Living in Cedar Falls

1-Bedroom Rent
$740
per month
Median Income
$42,234
per year
Population
41,105
residents
Rent % of Income
21.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 86 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Cedar Falls 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
+90%
Los Angeles, CA
$87,600
+70%
Chicago, IL
$62,800
+22%
Houston, TX
$66,140
+28%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,837
+41%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Special Education Teacher Salary in Cedar Falls, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a special education teacher in Cedar Falls, IA is $51,494 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 86. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Cedar Falls's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level special education teacher professionals in Cedar Falls can expect to earn around $34,834 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level special education teachers earning approximately $70,426 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Cedar Falls's cost of living index of 86 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Cedar Falls 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 Cedar Falls typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $740 per month, housing represents about 17.2% 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 Cedar Falls, 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.