Average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Special Education Teachers in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area earn an average annual salary of $59,320. This figure is slightly below the national average of $61,380, indicating localized economic factors and demand influence compensation within this specific region. The pay differential reflects the unique economic landscape and the specific needs of the local educational system.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.4% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,860.
- Outlook: The job market for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Chattanooga, TN-GA appears stable, with a total local workforce of 250 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.9 suggests a concentration of these roles that is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these specialized educators within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-3.4%below the national average.
$28.5
$1,141
$4,943
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Chattanooga is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of increased recognition and demand for these vital roles. This growth is likely driven by evolving educational needs and a greater emphasis on inclusive learning environments.
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Salary progression for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Chattanooga, TN-GA typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening 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) | $39,120 | $18.8 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $44,490 | $21.4 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $61,390 | $29.5 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $74,150 | $35.6 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $75,860 | $36.5 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $59,320 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Special Education Teachers in Chattanooga, TN-GA experience a salary that aligns directly with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of their income is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by the local cost of living, offering a stable financial baseline.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
0.946
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.90x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.9 for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Chattanooga, TN-GA indicates that the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present and stable, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and existing professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $55,050↓ 7% | 23 mi |
| Rome, GA Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $62,030↑ 5% | 55 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $62,020↑ 5% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $59,320. This typically ranges from $39,120 for entry-level positions to $75,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 3.4% lower than the national median of $61,380.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $59,320 is slightly below the national average, and the Cost of Living is exactly at the national average. This indicates a comparable, rather than enhanced, financial standing for these professionals in Chattanooga.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($55,050) and Rome, GA.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 250 suggests a moderately sized, established community of Special Education Teachers, indicating consistent demand and opportunities for networking within the field.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.9 mean?
A Location Quotient of 0.9 signifies that the concentration of Special Education Teachers in Chattanooga is slightly less than the national average, implying a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these roles.
How does Chattanooga's Cost of Living compare nationally?
Chattanooga's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is precisely the national average, meaning that the general expenses for goods and services are comparable to the rest of the country.
What is the job density for this role in Chattanooga?
There are approximately 0.946 Special Education Teachers per 1,000 workers in Chattanooga, indicating a moderate presence of this profession within the overall local employment landscape.
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 Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 0.946 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 Chattanooga, TN-GA