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Special Education Teacher Salary in Portland, OR

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
$96,720
per year in Portland
Entry Level
$65,428
Starting salary
Senior Level
$132,279
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
132
32% 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$65,428$96,720$132,279
Monthly$5,452$8,060$11,023
Biweekly$2,516$3,720$5,088
Weekly$1,258$1,860$2,544
Hourly$31$47$64

Portland vs National Average

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

Portland Salary
$96,720
COL Index: 132
National Average
$73,020
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$23,700
Higher in Portland

Cost of Living in Portland

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,900
per month
Median Income
$66,789
per year
Population
652,503
residents
Rent % of Income
34.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 132 — 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
+1%
Los Angeles, CA
$87,600
-9%
Chicago, IL
$62,800
-35%
Houston, TX
$66,140
-32%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,837
-25%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Special Education Teacher Salary in Portland, OR — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a special education teacher in Portland, OR is $96,720 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 132. 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 $65,428 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level special education teachers earning approximately $132,279 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Portland's cost of living index of 132 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 $1,900 per month, housing represents about 23.6% 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.

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.