Creative & Education Waipahu, HI Pop. 38,216

Special Education Teacher Salary in Waipahu, Hawaii

The median special education teacher salary in Waipahu, HI is $101,995 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median and 4.7% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$101,995
vs State Avg
$-5,037
vs National
+$39,035
Cost of Living
162%

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

Waipahu offers a median special education teacher salary of $101,995, which is $5,037 below the Hawaii state average of $107,032. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Waipahu pays above average for this role.

However, Waipahu's cost of living index is 162%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $101,995 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Waipahu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for special education teachers in Waipahu spans from $68,040 at the 10th percentile to $155,520 at the 90th percentile — a $87,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,280, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,800. Waipahu is a smaller market (pop. 38,216), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Waipahu by Experience

In Waipahu, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $71,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,280
+$27,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$103,680
+$39,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,800
+$55,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waipahu, HI

Percentile Waipahu
10th Percentile $68,040
25th Percentile $81,000
Median (50th) $101,995
75th Percentile $126,360
90th Percentile $155,520

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Waipahu

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Waipahu and the surrounding Hawaii 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 Waipahu may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Waipahu

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Waipahu

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Waipahu, HI? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Waipahu, Hawaii is $101,995 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $68,040 (10th percentile) to $155,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Waipahu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $101,995, a special education teacher in Waipahu earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waipahu compare to the Hawaii state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Waipahu's median special education teacher salary of $101,995 is 4.7% below the Hawaii state average of $107,032. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Waipahu, HI? ▼
Waipahu has a cost of living index of 162% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $101,995 in Waipahu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a special education teacher in Waipahu? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Waipahu 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.