Home / City Job Salaries / Special Education Teacher in Lakeland

Special Education Teacher Salary in Lakeland, FL

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

Median Salary
$51,780
per year in Lakeland
Entry Level
$35,028
Starting salary
Senior Level
$70,817
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
95
5% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$35,028$51,780$70,817
Monthly$2,919$4,315$5,901
Biweekly$1,347$1,992$2,724
Weekly$674$996$1,362
Hourly$17$25$34

Lakeland vs National Average

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

Lakeland Salary
$51,780
COL Index: 95
National Average
$73,020
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$21,240
Lower in Lakeland

Cost of Living in Lakeland

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$46,820
per year
Population
112,641
residents
Rent % of Income
30.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 95 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Lakeland 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
+89%
Los Angeles, CA
$87,600
+69%
Chicago, IL
$62,800
+21%
Houston, TX
$66,140
+28%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,837
+41%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a special education teacher salary in Lakeland.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Lakeland.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Lakeland.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Lakeland, FL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a special education teacher in Lakeland, FL is $51,780 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 95. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Lakeland's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level special education teacher professionals in Lakeland can expect to earn around $35,028 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level special education teachers earning approximately $70,817 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Lakeland's cost of living index of 95 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Lakeland 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 Lakeland typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month, housing represents about 27.8% 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 Lakeland, 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.