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Special Education Teacher Salary in Olympia, WA

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

Median Salary
$89,961
per year in Olympia
Entry Level
$60,856
Starting salary
Senior Level
$123,035
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
110
10% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$60,856$89,961$123,035
Monthly$5,071$7,497$10,253
Biweekly$2,341$3,460$4,732
Weekly$1,170$1,730$2,366
Hourly$29$43$59

Olympia vs National Average

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

Olympia Salary
$89,961
COL Index: 110
National Average
$73,020
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$16,941
Higher in Olympia

Cost of Living in Olympia

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$56,120
per year
Population
55,605
residents
Rent % of Income
27.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 110 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Olympia 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
+9%
Los Angeles, CA
$87,600
-3%
Chicago, IL
$62,800
-30%
Houston, TX
$66,140
-26%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,837
-19%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Special Education Teacher Salary in Olympia, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a special education teacher in Olympia, WA is $89,961 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 110. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Olympia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level special education teacher professionals in Olympia can expect to earn around $60,856 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level special education teachers earning approximately $123,035 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Olympia's cost of living index of 110 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Olympia 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 Olympia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 17.3% 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 Olympia, 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.