Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earn an average annual salary of $65,530, which is notably higher than the national average of $61,380. This elevated compensation reflects the specific demands and expertise required for specialized education roles within the local economic landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $91,930.
- Outlook: The local job market for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, while not exhibiting hyper-concentration with a Location Quotient of 0.42, still presents a stable employment base with 250 professionals in the field. The presence of 0.44 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these crucial educational services.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns+6.8%above the national average.
$31.5
$1,260
$5,461
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Grand Rapids is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Special Education Teachers over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as increased awareness of special education needs, legislative changes, and a growing demand for qualified educators likely contribute to salary growth in this sector.
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Salary progression for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, 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 a clear career ladder and opportunities for increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $46,700 | $22.5 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $49,148 | $23.6 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $61,250 | $29.4 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $81,913 | $39.4 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $91,930 | $44.2 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $65,530 for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing for educators in the region without significant cost-of-living adjustments needed.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
0.44
Per 1K Jobs
0.42
Location Quotient
At 0.42x, Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has a notably lower concentration of Special Education Teachers, Secondary School jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.42, the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area has a lower concentration of Special Education Teachers, Secondary School compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified professionals seeking employment in this specialized field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $64,050↓ 2% | 35 mi |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $74,230↑ 13% | 48 mi |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $68,390↑ 4% | 58 mi |
| Mid Michigan nonmetropolitan area Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $69,680↑ 6% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Hiring Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $65,530. This typically ranges from $46,700 for entry-level positions to $91,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 6.8% higher than the national median of $61,380.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary.The average salary of $65,530 is above the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI ($64,050) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the Grand Rapids salary compare to the national average for this role?
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earn approximately $4,150 more annually than the national average, with a salary of $65,530 compared to $61,380.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for this role in Grand Rapids?
An LQ of 0.42 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI than the national average, suggesting a potentially less competitive job market for these specialized educators.
Does the cost of living in Grand Rapids impact the Special Education Teacher salary?
No, the local Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $65,530 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Special Education Teachers, Secondary School work in the Grand Rapids area?
There are approximately 250 Special Education Teachers, Secondary School employed within the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metropolitan area.
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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 0.44 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI