SalaryNode

Average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary in Ames, IA

The average salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Ames, IA is $58,940. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $58,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,750.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Ames, IA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$58,940

The average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Ames, IA earns-4.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.3

Weekly

$1,133

Monthly

$4,912

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Distribution in Ames, IA

The earning potential for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools in Ames, IA 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 $39,650, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $73,750.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty.10% (Entry)$39,650$19.1
Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development.25% (Junior)$44,205$21.3
Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers.50% (Median)$58,650$28.2
Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP.75% (Senior)$73,675$35.4
AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant.90% (Expert)$73,750$35.5

Detailed Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$58,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$58,940

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Ames, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $58,940 to $58,940.

Job Market Context

60

Total Jobs

1.009

Per 1K Jobs

0.96

Location Quotient

Below Average

Ames, IA has 0.96x the national average concentration of Special Education Teachers, Secondary School jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

60 people work as Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Ames, IA.

1.009 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Special Education Teachers, Secondary School positions — a typical concentration.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School make in Ames, IA?

The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Ames, IA is $58,940. This typically ranges from $39,650 for entry-level positions to $73,750 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Ames, IA is 4.0% lower than the national median of $61,380.

Is Ames, IA a good place for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?

It depends on your priorities. While the average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in Ames, IA is $58,940 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Ames, IA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Ames, IA a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?

The Cost of Living Index in Ames, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Ames, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area ($53,750) and Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the Ames, IA area with a job density of 1.009 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.