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Special Education Teacher Salary in Portland, ME

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

Median Salary
$76,467
per year in Portland
Entry Level
$51,727
Starting salary
Senior Level
$104,580
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
119
19% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$51,727$76,467$104,580
Monthly$4,311$6,372$8,715
Biweekly$1,990$2,941$4,022
Weekly$995$1,471$2,011
Hourly$25$37$50

Portland vs National Average

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

Portland Salary
$76,467
COL Index: 119
National Average
$73,020
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$3,447
Higher in Portland

Cost of Living in Portland

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$59,234
per year
Population
68,408
residents
Rent % of Income
33.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 119 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Portland 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
+28%
Los Angeles, CA
$87,600
+15%
Chicago, IL
$62,800
-18%
Houston, TX
$66,140
-14%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,837
-5%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Special Education Teacher Salary in Portland, ME — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a special education teacher in Portland, ME is $76,467 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 119. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Portland's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level special education teacher professionals in Portland can expect to earn around $51,727 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level special education teachers earning approximately $104,580 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Portland's cost of living index of 119 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Portland 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 Portland typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 25.9% 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 Portland, 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.