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Special Education Teacher Salary in Tucson, AZ

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

Median Salary
$68,675
per year in Tucson
Entry Level
$46,457
Starting salary
Senior Level
$93,924
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
99
1% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$46,457$68,675$93,924
Monthly$3,871$5,723$7,827
Biweekly$1,787$2,641$3,612
Weekly$893$1,321$1,806
Hourly$22$33$45

Tucson vs National Average

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

Tucson Salary
$68,675
COL Index: 99
National Average
$73,020
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$4,345
Lower in Tucson

Cost of Living in Tucson

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$52,456
per year
Population
525,796
residents
Rent % of Income
29.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 99 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Tucson 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
+43%
Los Angeles, CA
$87,600
+28%
Chicago, IL
$62,800
-9%
Houston, TX
$66,140
-4%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,837
+6%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Special Education Teacher Salary in Tucson, AZ — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a special education teacher in Tucson, AZ is $68,675 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Tucson's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level special education teacher professionals in Tucson can expect to earn around $46,457 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level special education teachers earning approximately $93,924 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Tucson's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Tucson 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 Tucson typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 22.7% 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 Tucson, 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.