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Special Education Teacher Salary in Swarthmore, PA

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

Median Salary
$81,855
per year in Swarthmore
Entry Level
$55,373
Starting salary
Senior Level
$111,950
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
118
18% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$55,373$81,855$111,950
Monthly$4,614$6,821$9,329
Biweekly$2,130$3,148$4,306
Weekly$1,065$1,574$2,153
Hourly$27$39$54

Swarthmore vs National Average

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

Swarthmore Salary
$81,855
COL Index: 118
National Average
$73,020
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$8,835
Higher in Swarthmore

Cost of Living in Swarthmore

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,450
per month
Median Income
$102,821
per year
Population
6,240
residents
Rent % of Income
16.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 118 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Swarthmore 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
+20%
Los Angeles, CA
$87,600
+7%
Chicago, IL
$62,800
-23%
Houston, TX
$66,140
-19%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,837
-11%

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Special Education Teacher Salary in Swarthmore, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a special education teacher in Swarthmore, PA is $81,855 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 118. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Swarthmore's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level special education teacher professionals in Swarthmore can expect to earn around $55,373 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level special education teachers earning approximately $111,950 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Swarthmore's cost of living index of 118 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Swarthmore 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 Swarthmore typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,450 per month, housing represents about 21.3% 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 Swarthmore, 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.