Creative & Education Athens, GA Pop. 127,064

Special Education Teacher Salary in Athens, Georgia

The median special education teacher salary in Athens, GA is $56,664 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.2% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$56,664
vs State Avg
$-1,889
vs National
$-6,296
Cost of Living
90%

Special Education Teacher Pay in Athens: What to Expect (2026)

Athens offers a median special education teacher salary of $56,664, which is $1,889 below the Georgia state average of $58,553. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Athens pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Athens's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for special education teachers in Athens spans from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $86,400 at the 90th percentile — a $48,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,000. With a population of 127,064, Athens is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Athens by Experience

In Athens, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
$-4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,000
$-9,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Athens, GA

Percentile Athens
10th Percentile $37,800
25th Percentile $45,000
Median (50th) $56,664
75th Percentile $70,200
90th Percentile $86,400

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$64,219
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$57,923
Pop. 147,780
Augusta, GA
$55,405
Pop. 202,081
Columbus, GA
$54,146
Pop. 206,922

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Athens

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Athens and the surrounding Georgia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

IEP DevelopmentAdaptive TeachingAssessmentBehavioral ManagementCommunicationPatience

Job Outlook

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Athens may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Athens

Browse open special education teacher positions in Athens, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Athens

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Athens, GA? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Athens, Georgia is $56,664 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $86,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Athens? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,664, a special education teacher in Athens earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Athens compare to the Georgia state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Athens's median special education teacher salary of $56,664 is 3.2% below the Georgia state average of $58,553. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Athens, GA? ▼
Athens has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $56,664 in Athens has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a special education teacher in Athens? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Athens require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include IEP Development, Adaptive Teaching, Assessment, Behavioral Management. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.