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Special Education Teacher Salary in Philadelphia, PA

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

Median Salary
$63,610
per year in Philadelphia
Entry Level
$43,030
Starting salary
Senior Level
$86,996
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
113
13% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$43,030$63,610$86,996
Monthly$3,586$5,301$7,250
Biweekly$1,655$2,447$3,346
Weekly$828$1,223$1,673
Hourly$21$31$42

Philadelphia vs National Average

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

Philadelphia Salary
$63,610
COL Index: 113
National Average
$73,020
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$9,410
Lower in Philadelphia

Cost of Living in Philadelphia

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$55,824
per year
Population
1,603,797
residents
Rent % of Income
35.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 113 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Philadelphia 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
+54%
Los Angeles, CA
$87,600
+38%
Chicago, IL
$62,800
-1%
Houston, TX
$66,140
+4%
Phoenix, AZ
$72,837
+15%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Special Education Teacher Salary in Philadelphia, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a special education teacher in Philadelphia, PA is $63,610 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 113. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Philadelphia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level special education teacher professionals in Philadelphia can expect to earn around $43,030 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level special education teachers earning approximately $86,996 per year. This represents a 102% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Philadelphia's cost of living index of 113 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 31.1% 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 Philadelphia, 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.