Special Education Teacher Salary in Springfield, IL: $53,516 (2026)

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

Springfield offers a median special education teacher salary of $53,516, which is $6,296 below the Illinois state average of $59,812. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $53,516 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Springfield spans from $35,700 at the 10th percentile to $81,600 at the 90th percentile — a $45,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,400, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,500. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $37,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$37,400

$-6,600 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$54,400

$-9,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$76,500

$-13,500 vs national

Percentile	Springfield	IL State	National
10th Percentile	$35,700	$39,900	$42,000
25th Percentile	$42,500	$47,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$53,516	$59,812	$62,960
75th Percentile	$66,300	$74,100	$78,000
90th Percentile	$81,600	$91,200	$96,000

Percentile

Springfield

10th Percentile

$35,700

25th Percentile

$42,500

Median (50th)

$53,516

75th Percentile

$66,300

90th Percentile

$81,600

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Springfield

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Springfield

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Springfield, IL? ▼

The median special education teacher salary in Springfield, Illinois is $53,516 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $35,700 (10th percentile) to $81,600 (90th percentile).

How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Springfield? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $53,516, a special education teacher in Springfield earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for special education teacher pay? ▼

Springfield's median special education teacher salary of $53,516 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $59,812. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼

Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $53,516 in Springfield 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 Springfield? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Springfield 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.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Springfield, Illinois