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Special Education Teacher Salary in Meridian, MS

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

Median Salary
$43,286
per year in Meridian
Entry Level
$29,282
Starting salary
Senior Level
$59,201
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
76
24% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$29,282$43,286$59,201
Monthly$2,440$3,607$4,933
Biweekly$1,126$1,665$2,277
Weekly$563$832$1,138
Hourly$14$21$28

Meridian vs National Average

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

Meridian Salary
$43,286
COL Index: 76
National Average
$73,020
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$29,734
Lower in Meridian

Cost of Living in Meridian

1-Bedroom Rent
$640
per month
Median Income
$33,821
per year
Population
36,898
residents
Rent % of Income
22.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 76 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Meridian 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
+126%
Los Angeles, CA
$87,600
+102%
Chicago, IL
$62,800
+45%
Houston, TX
$66,140
+53%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,837
+68%

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Special Education Teacher Salary in Meridian, MS — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a special education teacher in Meridian, MS is $43,286 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 76. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Meridian's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level special education teacher professionals in Meridian can expect to earn around $29,282 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level special education teachers earning approximately $59,201 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Meridian's cost of living index of 76 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Meridian 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 Meridian typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $640 per month, housing represents about 17.7% 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 Meridian, 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.