Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area earn an average annual salary of $60,780. This figure is slightly below the national average of $61,640, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics are at play. The specific needs and funding structures within the Chattanooga region's educational system likely influence this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.6% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,130.
- Outlook: The Chattanooga, TN-GA area supports a dedicated workforce of 560 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.39, this indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for specialized educators within the local market.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-1.4%below the national average.
$29.2
$1,169
$5,065
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is often driven by increasing awareness of the importance of special education, legislative changes, and a persistent need for qualified professionals in school districts.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Career progression for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Chattanooga, TN-GA typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a significant salary gap that signifies substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $46,940 | $22.6 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $45,585 | $21.9 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $62,440 | $30 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $75,975 | $36.5 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $77,130 | $37.1 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $60,780 for Special Education Teachers in Chattanooga, TN-GA aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a teacher's salary in Chattanooga is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for professionals in this role.
Job Market Context
560
Total Jobs
2.083
Per 1K Jobs
1.39
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.39, Chattanooga, TN-GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.39 for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Chattanooga, TN-GA signifies that this profession is more concentrated in the area than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market with potentially more opportunities and a greater demand for these specialized skills relative to other professions within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary | $51,760↓ 15% | 23 mi |
| Dalton, GA Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary | $61,440↑ 1% | 26 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary | $58,970↓ 3% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $60,780. This typically ranges from $46,940 for entry-level positions to $77,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 1.4% lower than the national median of $61,640.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
Yes, with comparable purchasing power.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings will go as far as they would elsewhere in the country. The higher concentration of these roles also indicates a strong local demand.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($51,760) and Dalton, GA.
How does the Chattanooga salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $60,780, which is slightly lower than the national average of $61,640.
What is the concentration of Special Education Teachers in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga has a higher concentration of these professionals than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.39.
How does the cost of living in Chattanooga affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Chattanooga's cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the $60,780 salary offers standard purchasing power.
What does the total local workforce number mean for job seekers?
A local workforce of 560 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School suggests a significant number of professionals in this field, indicating a stable and established sector within the Chattanooga area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 560 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 2.083 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- All Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Production Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Management Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
- Browse All Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA