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 Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median special education teacher salary of $67,367, which is $7,555 above the Illinois state average of $59,812. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% 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 Chicago spans from $44,940 at the 10th percentile to $102,720 at the 90th percentile — a $57,780 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,080, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,300. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

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.

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Chicago

Browse open special education teacher positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Chicago

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Chicago, Illinois is $67,367 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $44,940 (10th percentile) to $102,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,367, a special education teacher in Chicago earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Chicago's median special education teacher salary of $67,367 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $59,812. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $67,367 in Chicago 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 Chicago? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Chicago 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.