Special Education Teachers in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $53,170. This figure is notably below the national average of $61,380, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially different demand structure. The specific economic landscape and funding priorities within this nonmetropolitan region likely influence compensation levels for these vital educators.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,310.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 240 Special Education Teachers, Secondary School, this segment represents a concentrated area of employment. The high Location Quotient of 2.45 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a robust local demand or a specialized regional focus on special education services.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-13.4%below the national average.
$25.6
$1,023
$4,431
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Special Education Teachers across the nation, including in regions like East Kentucky, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing awareness of the importance of special education, evolving pedagogical approaches, and ongoing efforts to attract and retain qualified professionals in the field.
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Distribution in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and extensive classroom experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth opportunities and increased earning potential within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $40,140 | $19.3 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $39,878 | $19.2 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $55,820 | $26.8 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $66,463 | $32 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $62,310 | $30 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $53,170 in East Kentucky aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, making the effective financial standing comparable to other regions.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
2.587
Per 1K Jobs
2.45
Location Quotient
East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 2.5x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.45 for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School, in East Kentucky is a strong indicator of a specialized and concentrated job market. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is more than double the national average relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to greater job security and opportunities for those with the requisite skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $61,040↑ 15% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $58,250↑ 10% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $62,990↑ 18% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $68,120↑ 28% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School make in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $53,170. This typically ranges from $40,140 for entry-level positions to $62,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 13.4% lower than the national median of $61,380.
Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
No, not in terms of nominal salary compared to the national average.While the salary of $53,170 is below the national average of $61,380, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is maintained. The high concentration of jobs suggests strong local demand despite lower pay.
Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($61,040) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the concentration of Special Education Teachers in East Kentucky compare nationally?
The Location Quotient of 2.45 signifies that Special Education Teachers are more than twice as concentrated in East Kentucky compared to the national average, indicating a significant regional focus on this profession.
What is the effective purchasing power of a Special Education Teacher's salary in East Kentucky?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $53,170 salary in East Kentucky offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
Are there many Special Education Teacher jobs in East Kentucky relative to the overall workforce?
Yes, with 2.587 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of Special Education Teachers in the East Kentucky workforce is significantly higher than the national average, pointing to a substantial demand.
What does the total local workforce number of 240 imply for Special Education Teachers in East Kentucky?
A workforce of 240 indicates a sizable group of professionals in this field within the region, suggesting established programs and ongoing needs for their specialized skills.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.587 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salaries by State
Top Jobs in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area