Special Education Teacher Salary in Illinois
Special Education Teachers in Illinois earn an average of $69,844 per year across 1 metro area. This is +4.8% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$69,844
per year
Hourly Rate
$33.58
per hour
vs National
+4.8%
$66,620 national
Salary Range
$44,030
to $97,503
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$69,844
Cost of Living Index
95
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$73,520
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Illinois's cost of living (below average), a Special Education Teacher's salary of $69,844 has the purchasing power of $73,520 in an average-cost area.
Special Education Teacher Salary by City in Illinois
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $69,844 | $33.58/hr | $44,030 | $97,503 | 656 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Illinois vs National Average
Special Education Teacher Salary Comparison
Employment in Illinois
There are approximately 656 Special Education Teachers employed across 1 metro area in Illinois.
Key Industries: Finance, Manufacturing, Technology
State Income Tax: 4.95% flat rate
Special Education Teacher Salary Range in Illinois
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$44,030
Starting salary for new Special Education Teachers
Median (50th Percentile)
$69,844
Mid-career Special Education Teacher salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$97,503
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Illinois
Business Professor
$104,076
avg in IL
+$34,232 vs Special Education Teacher
Instructional Coordinator
$78,267
avg in IL
+$8,423 vs Special Education Teacher
Secondary School Teacher
$67,313
avg in IL
-$2,531 vs Special Education Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
$65,166
avg in IL
-$4,678 vs Special Education Teacher
Preschool Teacher
$39,012
avg in IL
-$30,832 vs Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teacher Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Special Education Teacher salaries in Illinois with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Special Education Teacher Data
More Illinois Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Special Education Teacher salary in Illinois?
The average Special Education Teacher salary in Illinois is $69,844 per year ($33.58/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 4.8% above the national average of $66,620.
What is the highest paying city for Special Education Teachers in Illinois?
Chicago, IL is the highest paying city for Special Education Teachers in Illinois, with a median salary of $69,844 per year.
What is the salary range for Special Education Teachers in Illinois?
Special Education Teacher salaries in Illinois range from $44,030 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $97,503 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $69,844 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Illinois. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.