Average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary in Lafayette, LA
Special Education Teachers in Lafayette, LA, earn an average annual salary of $52,800, which is notably below the national average of $61,380. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, local demand for specialized educators, and the overall funding allocated to educational institutions within the state and specific districts.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,180.
- Outlook: The Lafayette, LA, job market for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School, shows significant concentration, with a Location Quotient of 6.36, indicating a demand far exceeding the national average. With a local workforce of 1,180 professionals in this role and 6.712 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market suggests a robust need for these specialized educators.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Lafayette, LA earns-14.0%below the national average.
$25.4
$1,015
$4,400
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lafayette is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Special Education Teachers have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by increasing awareness of the importance of special education services, legislative mandates, and a persistent need for qualified professionals in the field.
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Salary progression for Special Education Teachers in Lafayette, LA, typically scales 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 clear career progression and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $49,180 | $23.6 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $39,600 | $19 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $49,180 | $23.6 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $66,000 | $31.7 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $58,180 | $28 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
For Special Education Teachers considering a move to Lafayette, LA, the nominal salary of $52,800 aligns directly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national average, making the cost of living a neutral factor in the overall financial picture.
Job Market Context
1,180
Total Jobs
6.712
Per 1K Jobs
6.36
Location Quotient
Lafayette, LA has 6.4x 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 6.36 for Special Education Teachers in Lafayette, LA, signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is substantially higher relative to their national prevalence, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking qualified candidates and potentially favorable conditions for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Lafayette, LA is $52,800. This typically ranges from $49,180 for entry-level positions to $58,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 14.0% lower than the national median of $61,380.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
No, not when compared to the national average salary.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $52,800 is significantly lower than the national average of $61,380. The high location quotient suggests strong demand, but this demand has not translated into higher average pay compared to the rest of the country.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($58,690) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Lafayette job market compare to the national average for this role?
Lafayette, LA, has a significantly higher concentration of Special Education Teachers, Secondary School, with a Location Quotient of 6.36, indicating a much stronger local demand relative to the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA for Special Education Teachers?
The cost of living in Lafayette, LA, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning that the purchasing power of the local salary is comparable to the national average.
How many Special Education Teachers are there in Lafayette, LA?
There are approximately 1,180 Special Education Teachers, Secondary School, in the Lafayette, LA, area.
What are the salary expectations for an experienced Special Education Teacher in Lafayette, LA?
While the average salary is $52,800, experienced Special Education Teachers can expect to earn more, potentially reaching higher salary percentiles as their expertise and years of service increase.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,180 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 6.712 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 Lafayette, LA