Creative & Education Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Special Education Teacher Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median special education teacher salary in Chicago, IL is $67,367 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$67,367
vs State Avg
+$7,555
vs National
+$4,407
Cost of Living
107%

Special Education Teacher Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $47,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,080
+$3,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,480
+$4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,300
+$6,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $44,940
25th Percentile $53,500
Median (50th) $67,367
75th Percentile $83,460
90th Percentile $102,720

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$67,997
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$59,812
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$53,516
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$51,627
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Chicago

Education

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