Average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary in Wilmington, NC
Special Education Teachers at the kindergarten and elementary school level in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $49,120. This figure is notably below the national average of $61,640. Local economic factors, including the specific demand and supply dynamics within the Wilmington area, contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,420.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 250 Special Education Teachers, kindergarten and elementary school, Wilmington, NC, presents a stable job market. The location quotient of 0.91 suggests a concentration of these professionals that is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for their specialized skills within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Wilmington, NC earns-20.3%below the national average.
$23.6
$945
$4,093
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Special Education Teachers have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by increasing awareness of the importance of special education services and evolving state and federal funding for these critical roles.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Salary progression for Special Education Teachers in Wilmington, NC, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with several years of dedicated service can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The observed gaps between salary percentiles signify clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $38,980 | $18.7 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $36,840 | $17.7 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $47,020 | $22.6 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $61,400 | $29.5 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $60,420 | $29 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $49,120 in Wilmington, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the lower salary is offset by the cost of living.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
1.363
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 0.91x 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 0.91 indicates that Special Education Teachers, kindergarten and elementary school, are slightly less concentrated in Wilmington, NC, compared to the national average. This suggests a job market that is neither oversaturated nor experiencing a significant shortage, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary | $50,470↑ 3% | 46 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary | $51,580↑ 5% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary | $54,400↑ 11% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Wilmington, NC is $49,120. This typically ranges from $38,980 for entry-level positions to $60,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 20.3% lower than the national median of $61,640.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $49,120 is below the national average of $61,640. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($50,470) and Fayetteville, NC.
What is the average salary for a Special Education Teacher in Wilmington, NC?
The average annual salary for a Special Education Teacher (Kindergarten and Elementary School) in Wilmington, NC, is $49,120.
How does Wilmington's cost of living compare to the national average?
Wilmington, NC, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
Is there high demand for Special Education Teachers in Wilmington, NC?
The location quotient of 0.91 suggests a demand that is close to the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand.
How many Special Education Teachers work in Wilmington, NC?
There are approximately 250 Special Education Teachers (Kindergarten and Elementary School) employed in the Wilmington, NC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 1.363 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 Wilmington, NC