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Special Education Teacher Salary in Rockford, IL

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

Median Salary
$72,837
per year in Rockford
Entry Level
$49,273
Starting salary
Senior Level
$99,616
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 Rockford.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$49,273$72,837$99,616
Monthly$4,106$6,070$8,301
Biweekly$1,895$2,801$3,831
Weekly$948$1,401$1,916
Hourly$24$35$48

Rockford vs National Average

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

Rockford Salary
$72,837
COL Index: 95
National Average
$73,020
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$183
Lower in Rockford

Cost of Living in Rockford

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$50,234
per year
Population
142,591
residents
Rent % of Income
28.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 95 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Rockford 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
+35%
Los Angeles, CA
$87,600
+20%
Chicago, IL
$62,800
-14%
Houston, TX
$66,140
-9%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,837
0%

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Special Education Teacher Salary in Rockford, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a special education teacher in Rockford, IL is $72,837 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 95. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Rockford's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level special education teacher professionals in Rockford can expect to earn around $49,273 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level special education teachers earning approximately $99,616 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Rockford's cost of living index of 95 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Rockford 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 Rockford typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month, housing represents about 19.8% 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 Rockford, 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.