Average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary in Decatur, AL
The average salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Decatur, AL is $54,110. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Decatur, AL may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,120.
- Outlook: The current demand for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 30 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Decatur, AL economy.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Decatur, AL earns-12.2%below the national average.
$26
$1,041
$4,509
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salaries in Decatur, AL have remained stable with a modest increase of 4.4%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL
The earning potential for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Decatur, AL varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $45,450, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $61,120.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $45,450 | $21.9 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $40,583 | $19.5 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $56,180 | $27 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $67,638 | $32.5 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $61,120 | $29.4 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Decatur, AL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $54,110 to $54,110.
Job Market Context
30
Total Jobs
0.515
Per 1K Jobs
0.34
Location Quotient
At 0.34x, Decatur, AL has a notably lower concentration of Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
30 people work as Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Decatur, AL.
Only 0.515 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School
Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School make in Decatur, AL?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Decatur, AL is $54,110. This typically ranges from $45,450 for entry-level positions to $61,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 12.2% lower than the national median of $61,640.
Is Decatur, AL a good place for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Decatur, AL is $54,110 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Decatur, AL. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($58,970) and East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 0.515 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Decatur, AL