Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an impressive average annual salary of $68,830. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $61,640, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher cost of living adjustments that influence compensation in this region. The specialized nature of special education roles often commands higher pay, especially in areas with a dedicated focus on educational services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,730.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 280 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School, and a Location Quotient of 0.67, the job market in Portland-South Portland, ME, suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for these professionals. While the concentration is below the national average, the presence of 1.001 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for skilled educators in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+11.7%above the national average.
$33.1
$1,324
$5,736
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Portland-South Portland, ME, is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Special Education Teachers over the past four years. This is often driven by increasing awareness of the importance of specialized education, legislative changes, and a persistent need for qualified professionals, leading to competitive compensation adjustments.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Salary progression for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Portland-South Portland, ME, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $48,760 | $23.4 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $51,623 | $24.8 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $70,310 | $33.8 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $86,038 | $41.4 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $82,730 | $39.8 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $68,830 in Portland-South Portland, ME, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Special Education Teacher's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
1.001
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME has 0.67x the national average concentration of Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.67 for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Portland-South Portland, ME, indicates that this profession is less concentrated in this area compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a steady demand, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals entering or advancing within the field.
Nearby Job Markets
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Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Portland-South Portland, ME is $68,830. This typically ranges from $48,760 for entry-level positions to $82,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 11.7% higher than the national median of $61,640.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.The average salary of $68,830 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national index, making it financially advantageous.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($53,710) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland, ME salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $68,830 in Portland-South Portland, ME, is approximately 11.7% higher than the national average of $61,640 for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.67?
An LQ of 0.67 means that Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School are less concentrated in Portland-South Portland, ME, than the national average. This could imply a less competitive job market for these specific roles.
Does the Cost of Living in Portland-South Portland, ME, impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are average. Therefore, the higher salary of $68,830 provides a strong purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Special Education Teachers work in Portland-South Portland, ME?
There are approximately 280 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School employed in the Portland-South Portland, ME, area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 1.001 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 Portland-South Portland, ME