Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $53,050. This figure is notably below the national average of $61,640, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different demand-supply dynamic for specialized educators in this specific locale. The lower average salary suggests that while the need for these professionals exists, the compensation structure may be influenced by local funding and economic conditions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,660.
- Outlook: The job market for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in South Central Kentucky appears moderately robust, with a total local workforce of 450 individuals in this role. The location quotient of 1.74 indicates a concentration of these positions that is 74% higher than the national average, suggesting a relatively strong demand or a specialized focus on this profession within the region compared to other areas.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-13.9%below the national average.
$25.5
$1,020
$4,421
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in South Central Kentucky is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Special Education Teachers have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing awareness of the importance of special education services, legislative mandates, and a persistent need for qualified educators in this field.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of dedicated service and advanced certifications can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not explicitly detailed here, generally signify this career ladder, rewarding expertise and commitment.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $39,020 | $18.8 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $39,788 | $19.1 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $56,410 | $27.1 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $66,313 | $31.9 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $61,660 | $29.6 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $53,050 in South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is maintained locally, as the cost of goods and services is not inflated compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
450
Total Jobs
2.611
Per 1K Jobs
1.74
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 1.7x the national concentration of Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a location quotient of 1.74, South Central Kentucky exhibits a higher concentration of Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School positions than the national average. This suggests that the job market in this region is relatively more abundant or specialized in this field, potentially offering more opportunities for those seeking employment in this niche compared to areas with a lower location quotient.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $53,050. This typically ranges from $39,020 for entry-level positions to $61,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 13.9% lower than the national median of $61,640.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
No, not in terms of average salary.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $53,050 is significantly lower than the national average of $61,640 for this role.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($61,870) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 450 suggests a stable, albeit not massive, presence of Special Education Teachers, indicating consistent demand and a community of professionals within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.74 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.74 signifies that Special Education Teachers are more concentrated in South Central Kentucky than the national average, implying a potentially higher demand or a specialized regional focus on this profession.
How does the cost of living affect the $53,050 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (national average), the $53,050 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere.
Are there more jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in South Central Kentucky?
Yes, with 2.611 jobs per 1,000 workers, this rate is higher than the national average, indicating a greater prevalence of Special Education Teacher positions relative to the overall workforce in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.611 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 South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area