Average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Special Education Teachers in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $57,980. This figure is slightly below the national average of $61,380, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation within this specific region. While the nominal salary may be lower, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,900.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Durham-Chapel Hill comprises 310 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.87, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to the overall job market. The presence of nearly one job per thousand workers (0.916) suggests consistent opportunities for qualified educators.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-5.5%below the national average.
$27.9
$1,115
$4,832
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Durham-Chapel Hill is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Special Education Teachers have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader trends in the education sector. Factors such as increased awareness of special education needs, legislative changes, and inflation typically drive upward salary adjustments in this field.
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior roles signify clear career progression pathways and earning potential within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $47,460 | $22.8 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $43,485 | $20.9 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $59,550 | $28.6 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $72,475 | $34.8 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $73,900 | $35.5 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $57,980 in Durham-Chapel Hill 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 area is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the nominal salary accurately reflects the real-world cost of living, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a relocation perspective.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
0.916
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.87x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.87 indicates that Special Education Teachers, Secondary School are present in Durham-Chapel Hill at a rate slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, the market is not saturated, and there is a steady, albeit not overwhelming, demand for these specialized educators compared to other professions nationwide.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $57,980. This typically ranges from $47,460 for entry-level positions to $73,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 5.5% lower than the national median of $61,380.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($53,510) and Greensboro-High Point, NC.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Durham-Chapel Hill is $57,980, which is slightly lower than the national average of $61,380.
What is the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The Cost of Living Index for Durham-Chapel Hill is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the job market for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests that the concentration of Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Durham-Chapel Hill is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not overly abundant job market.
What does the total local workforce number signify?
A total local workforce of 310 indicates the approximate number of Special Education Teachers, Secondary School employed within the Durham-Chapel Hill area, providing a scale for the local market size.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 0.916 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC