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Special Education Teacher Salary in Denver, CO

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

Median Salary
$46,370
per year in Denver
Entry Level
$31,368
Starting salary
Senior Level
$63,418
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
129
29% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$31,368$46,370$63,418
Monthly$2,614$3,864$5,285
Biweekly$1,206$1,783$2,439
Weekly$603$892$1,220
Hourly$15$22$30

Denver vs National Average

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

Denver Salary
$46,370
COL Index: 129
National Average
$73,020
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$26,650
Lower in Denver

Cost of Living in Denver

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,850
per month
Median Income
$69,452
per year
Population
727,211
residents
Rent % of Income
32.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 129 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Denver 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
+111%
Los Angeles, CA
$87,600
+89%
Chicago, IL
$62,800
+35%
Houston, TX
$66,140
+43%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,837
+57%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Special Education Teacher Salary in Denver, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a special education teacher in Denver, CO is $46,370 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 129. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Denver's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level special education teacher professionals in Denver can expect to earn around $31,368 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level special education teachers earning approximately $63,418 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Denver's cost of living index of 129 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Denver 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 Denver typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,850 per month, housing represents about 47.9% 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 Denver, 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.