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Special Education Teacher Salary in East Lansing, MI

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

Median Salary
$61,804
per year in East Lansing
Entry Level
$41,809
Starting salary
Senior Level
$84,527
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
92
8% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$41,809$61,804$84,527
Monthly$3,484$5,150$7,044
Biweekly$1,608$2,377$3,251
Weekly$804$1,189$1,626
Hourly$20$30$41

East Lansing vs National Average

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

East Lansing Salary
$61,804
COL Index: 92
National Average
$73,020
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$11,216
Lower in East Lansing

Cost of Living in East Lansing

1-Bedroom Rent
$900
per month
Median Income
$30,234
per year
Population
48,480
residents
Rent % of Income
35.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 92 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in East Lansing 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
+59%
Los Angeles, CA
$87,600
+42%
Chicago, IL
$62,800
+2%
Houston, TX
$66,140
+7%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,837
+18%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Special Education Teacher Salary in East Lansing, MI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a special education teacher in East Lansing, MI is $61,804 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 92. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering East Lansing's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level special education teacher professionals in East Lansing can expect to earn around $41,809 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level special education teachers earning approximately $84,527 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

East Lansing's cost of living index of 92 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in East Lansing 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 East Lansing typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $900 per month, housing represents about 17.5% 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 East Lansing, 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.