Special Education Teachers in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $52,400. This figure falls below the national average of $60,600, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within this area. The lower average salary reflects the unique economic landscape of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,920.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 230 Special Education Teachers, Middle School, the job market in South Central Kentucky demonstrates a notable concentration. The Location Quotient of 2.12 significantly exceeds the national average, suggesting a higher demand or a more specialized need for these professionals in this region compared to the rest of the country. This indicates a robust, albeit niche, job market for this role.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Middle School in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-13.5%below the national average.
$25.2
$1,008
$4,367
Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth for Special Education Teachers over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts and increased awareness of special education needs likely contribute to gradual increases in compensation, aiming to attract and retain qualified educators.
Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Special Education Teachers, Middle School, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $39,150 | $18.8 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $39,300 | $18.9 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $52,170 | $25.1 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $65,500 | $31.5 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $62,920 | $30.3 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Middle School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $52,400 in South 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 standing relative to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
1.313
Per 1K Jobs
2.12
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 2.1x 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 2.12 for Special Education Teachers, Middle School, in South Central Kentucky is a strong indicator of a concentrated job market. This value, more than double the national average, suggests that the demand for these professionals is significantly higher in this region, making it a potentially competitive environment for employers seeking talent but offering good opportunities for job seekers.
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↑ 17% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary | $56,820↑ 8% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary | $60,250↑ 15% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary | $72,000↑ 37% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Middle School make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Middle School in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $52,400. This typically ranges from $39,150 for entry-level positions to $62,920 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 13.5% lower than the national median of $60,600.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the salary of $52,400 is notably lower than the national average of $60,600. The high location quotient indicates strong local demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Middle 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 ($61,430) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 230 Special Education Teachers, Middle School, suggests a defined professional community. While not a massive number, it indicates a stable presence of these roles within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.12 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.12 signifies that Special Education Teachers are more than twice as concentrated in South Central Kentucky compared to the national average, implying a higher demand relative to the general workforce.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $52,400 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning the lower nominal salary is offset by average living expenses.
Are there many job openings for Special Education Teachers in this area?
The high Location Quotient suggests a strong demand for Special Education Teachers, Middle School, in South Central Kentucky, indicating a favorable job market for qualified individuals in this specialty.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.313 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 South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area