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Average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC

The average salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $59,410. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $59,410 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,220.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 130 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$59,410

The average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-3.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.6

Weekly

$1,143

Monthly

$4,951

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC

The earning potential for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC 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 $43,480, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $72,220.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty.10% (Entry)$43,480$20.9
Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development.25% (Junior)$44,558$21.4
Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers.50% (Median)$61,600$29.6
Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP.75% (Senior)$74,263$35.7
AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant.90% (Expert)$72,220$34.7

Detailed Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$59,410

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$59,410

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $59,410 to $59,410.

Job Market Context

130

Total Jobs

0.827

Per 1K Jobs

0.78

Location Quotient

Below Average

Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has 0.78x 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.

130 people work as Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC.

Only 0.827 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Special Education Teachers, Secondary School roles — this is a niche profession in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?

The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $59,410. This typically ranges from $43,480 for entry-level positions to $72,220 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 3.2% lower than the national median of $61,380.

Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?

It depends on your priorities. While the average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $59,410 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?

The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($58,510) and Spartanburg, SC.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 130 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 0.827 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.