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Special Education Teacher Salary in Chattanooga, TN

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

Median Salary
$63,308
per year in Chattanooga
Entry Level
$42,826
Starting salary
Senior Level
$86,584
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$42,826$63,308$86,584
Monthly$3,569$5,276$7,215
Biweekly$1,647$2,435$3,330
Weekly$824$1,217$1,665
Hourly$21$30$42

Chattanooga vs National Average

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

Chattanooga Salary
$63,308
COL Index: 102
National Average
$73,020
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$9,712
Lower in Chattanooga

Cost of Living in Chattanooga

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$52,234
per year
Population
181,099
residents
Rent % of Income
32.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Chattanooga 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
+55%
Los Angeles, CA
$87,600
+38%
Chicago, IL
$62,800
-1%
Houston, TX
$66,140
+4%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,837
+15%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Special Education Teacher Salary in Chattanooga, TN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a special education teacher in Chattanooga, TN is $63,308 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Chattanooga's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level special education teacher professionals in Chattanooga can expect to earn around $42,826 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level special education teachers earning approximately $86,584 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Chattanooga's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 26.5% 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 Chattanooga, 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.