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Special Education Teacher Salary in Grand Rapids, MI

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

Median Salary
$65,420
per year in Grand Rapids
Entry Level
$44,255
Starting salary
Senior Level
$89,472
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
93
7% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$44,255$65,420$89,472
Monthly$3,688$5,452$7,456
Biweekly$1,702$2,516$3,441
Weekly$851$1,258$1,721
Hourly$21$31$43

Grand Rapids vs National Average

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

Grand Rapids Salary
$65,420
COL Index: 93
National Average
$73,020
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$7,600
Lower in Grand Rapids

Cost of Living in Grand Rapids

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$48,410
per year
Population
198,917
residents
Rent % of Income
27.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 93 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Grand Rapids 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
+50%
Los Angeles, CA
$87,600
+34%
Chicago, IL
$62,800
-4%
Houston, TX
$66,140
+1%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,837
+11%

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Special Education Teacher Salary in Grand Rapids, MI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a special education teacher in Grand Rapids, MI is $65,420 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 93. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Grand Rapids's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level special education teacher professionals in Grand Rapids can expect to earn around $44,255 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level special education teachers earning approximately $89,472 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Grand Rapids's cost of living index of 93 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 20.2% 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 Grand Rapids, 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.