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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Special Ed Teacher in Illinois is $54,805 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Special Ed Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Special Ed Teacher Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $61,754 | $5,146 | $1,188 | $30 |
| Average | $54,805 | $4,567 | $1,054 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,779 | $3,898 | $900 | $22 |
AAA Academy - Blue Island, IL
Council Bluffs Community School District - Park Ridge, IL
Children's Home Association of Illinois - Peoria, IL
Pediatric Developmental Services - Prospect Heights, IL
A Special Ed 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 a Special Ed 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 Special Ed Teacher | $51,584 |
| Intermediate Level Special Ed Teacher | $52,200 |
| Senior Level Special Ed Teacher | $54,805 |
| Specialist Level Special Ed Teacher | $56,849 |
| Expert Level Special Ed Teacher | $57,360 |
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 Special Ed 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 Special Ed 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, Special Ed Teacher positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Special Ed Teacher as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $71,246 | $34.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Special Ed 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 | $61,754 | $5,146 | $1,188 | $30 |
| Average | $54,805 | $4,567 | $1,054 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,779 | $3,898 | $900 | $22 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Special Ed Teacher job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Tutor Me Education
Chicago, IL
Tutor Me Education | Chicago, IL
Tutor Me Education is reshaping how students learn.We are looking for teachers and tutors with special education experience to provide 1 :1 or group instru... more
3 Days Ago
Global Psychological
Chicago, IL
Global Psychological | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Certified Special Education Teacher. Reports To. Coordinator/Case Manager, Instructional Coach – Special Educa... more
3 Days Ago
EDU-AIDs
Emden, IL
EDU-AIDs | Emden, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Health insurance. Paid time off. Training & development. Wellness resources. Special Education Teacher. Locatio... more
4 Days Ago
The Menta Education Group
North Aurora, IL
The Menta Education Group | North Aurora, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Job Description. As a Special Education Teacher at The Menta Group, you will have the freedom and ability to educate a sm... more
4 Days Ago
Tri County Special Education
Lincoln, IL
Tri County Special Education | Lincoln, IL
Job Description. Job Description. TCSEA is seeking a highly motivated Special Education Teacher with LBS1 certification to serve the Hartsburg-Emden Commun... more
4 Days Ago
SchoolHouse Staffing
Bolingbrook, IL
SchoolHouse Staffing | Bolingbrook, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Special Education Teacher. Location. Bolingbrook, Illinois. Pay Range. $35 - $55 per hour (depending on experi... more
5 Days Ago
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