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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Elementary Special Education Teacher in Illinois is $54,705 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, an Elementary Special Education Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Elementary Special Education Teacher Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $61,642 | $5,137 | $1,185 | $30 |
| Average | $54,705 | $4,559 | $1,052 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,694 | $3,891 | $898 | $22 |
The Menta Education Group - Gilman, IL
Hope - Springfield, IL
Clarifi Staffing Solutions - Joliet, IL
Meridian Charter Schools - Chicago, IL
An Elementary Special Education Teacher's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Elementary Special Education Teacher's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Elementary Special Education Teacher | $51,490 |
| Intermediate Level Elementary Special Education Teacher | $52,105 |
| Senior Level Elementary Special Education Teacher | $54,705 |
| Specialist Level Elementary Special Education Teacher | $56,746 |
| Expert Level Elementary Special Education Teacher | $57,256 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Elementary Special Education Teachers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Elementary Special Education Teacher roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Elementary Special Education Teacher positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Elementary Special Education Teacher as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $71,117 | $34.0 | 30% |
Understanding how an Elementary Special Education Teacher's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $61,642 | $5,137 | $1,185 | $30 |
| Average | $54,705 | $4,559 | $1,052 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,694 | $3,891 | $898 | $22 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Elementary Special Education Teacher job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Hyde Park Day School
Chicago, IL
Hyde Park Day School | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Elementary Education Teacher (Chicago Campus)Salary: $45,000-$72,000 | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM | Full-TimeHyde Par... more
6 Days Ago
The Menta Education Group
Springfield, IL
The Menta Education Group | Springfield, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Job Description. As a Special Education or General Education Teacher at The Menta Education Group, you will have the free... more
4 Days Ago
The Menta Education Group
Waukegan, IL
The Menta Education Group | Waukegan, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Job Description. . As a General/Special Education Teacher at The Menta Group, you will have the freedom and ability to ed... more
4 Days Ago
The Menta Education Group
Taylorville, IL
The Menta Education Group | Taylorville, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Job Description. As a Special Education or General Education Teacher at The Menta Education Group, you will have the free... more
4 Days Ago
The Menta Education Group
DeKalb, IL
The Menta Education Group | DeKalb, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Job Description. As a General/Special Education Teacher at The Menta Group, you will have the freedom and ability to educ... more
4 Days Ago
The Menta Education Group
Beardstown, IL
The Menta Education Group | Beardstown, IL
Job Description. Job Description. As a Special Education or General Education Teacher at The Menta Education Group, you will have the freedom and ability t... more
4 Days Ago
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