Special Education Teachers in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $52,020. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,600, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within this nonmetropolitan setting. The compensation structure is influenced by the local cost of living and the concentration of specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,140.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 210 Special Education Teachers, Middle School, the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a stable, albeit niche, employment landscape. The jobs per 1,000 workers metric indicates a consistent need for these professionals, suggesting a steady demand that supports the existing workforce size.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Middle School in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-14.2%below the national average.
$25
$1,000
$4,335
Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Special Education Teachers in nonmetropolitan areas like Central Kentucky have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader trends in the education sector and adjustments for inflation and increased demand for specialized services.
Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary Distribution in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Special Education Teachers in Central Kentucky typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and extensive classroom experience can command salaries significantly higher, reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $39,870 | $19.2 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $39,015 | $18.8 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $51,230 | $24.6 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $65,025 | $31.3 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $61,140 | $29.4 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Middle School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $52,020 in Central Kentucky aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Special Education Teacher's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
1.224
Per 1K Jobs
1.98
Location Quotient
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 2.0x the national concentration of Special Education Teachers, Middle School jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.98 for Special Education Teachers in Central Kentucky signifies a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a higher demand or a more specialized market for these educators within the region, potentially offering more opportunities relative to the general job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Special Education Teachers, Middle School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary | $61,430↑ 18% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary | $56,820↑ 9% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary | $60,250↑ 16% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary | $72,000↑ 38% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Middle School make in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Middle School in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $52,020. This typically ranges from $39,870 for entry-level positions to $61,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 14.2% lower than the national median of $60,600.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools?
No, it is not more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $52,020 is below the national average of $60,600, indicating lower earning potential. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, making the salary's purchasing power equivalent.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($61,430) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 210 suggests a focused market. While not excessively large, it indicates a dedicated professional community and a consistent need for these specialized roles within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.98 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.98 indicates that Special Education Teachers are nearly twice as concentrated in Central Kentucky compared to the national average. This suggests a strong regional demand and potentially more specialized opportunities.
How does experience impact salary for Special Education Teachers in this area?
Experience is a key driver of salary. Entry-level teachers will earn less, while those with several years of experience, advanced certifications, or specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more, moving into higher salary percentiles.
Is the cost of living a significant factor for Special Education Teachers in Central Kentucky?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the cost of living is average. This means the $52,020 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a balanced financial consideration.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.224 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, Middle School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area