Average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary in Altoona, PA
Yes, Altoona, PA is a highly lucrative market for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools. With an average annual salary of $68,790, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm. Notably, Altoona, PA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 2.84x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 61.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $94,170.
- Outlook: The current demand for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 170 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Altoona, PA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Altoona, PA earns+12.1%above the national average.
$33.1
$1,323
$5,733
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salaries in Altoona, PA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 61.4%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA
The earning potential for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools in Altoona, PA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $48,940, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $94,170.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $48,940 | $23.5 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $51,593 | $24.8 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $72,610 | $34.9 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $85,988 | $41.3 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $94,170 | $45.3 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Altoona, PA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $68,790 to $68,790.
Job Market Context
170
Total Jobs
2.993
Per 1K Jobs
2.84
Location Quotient
Altoona, PA has 2.8x the national concentration of Special Education Teachers, Secondary School jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
170 people work as Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Altoona, PA.
Moderate density — roughly 2.993 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Johnstown, PA Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $62,060↓ 10% | 30 mi |
| State College, PA Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $75,360↑ 10% | 35 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $80,860↑ 18% | 56 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $61,130↓ 11% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA
Hiring Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School make in Altoona, PA?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Altoona, PA is $68,790. This typically ranges from $48,940 for entry-level positions to $94,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 12.1% higher than the national median of $61,380.
Is Altoona, PA a good place for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
Yes, Altoona, PA is an excellent location for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($68,790) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Altoona, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Altoona, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Johnstown, PA ($62,060) and State College, PA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 170 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 2.993 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, Secondary School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Altoona, PA