Creative & Education Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Special Education Teacher Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median special education teacher salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $55,405 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$55,405
vs State Avg
$-629
vs National
$-7,555
Cost of Living
88%

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

Cedar Rapids offers a median special education teacher salary of $55,405, which is $629 below the Iowa state average of $56,034. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $55,405 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Cedar Rapids spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $84,480 at the 90th percentile — a $47,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,720, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,200. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $38,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,200
$-10,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $44,000
Median (50th) $55,405
75th Percentile $68,640
90th Percentile $84,480

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$59,812
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$57,923
Pop. 214,133
Davenport, IA
$54,146
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$52,886
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Cedar Rapids

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open special education teacher positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $55,405 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $84,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,405, a special education teacher in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median special education teacher salary of $55,405 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $56,034. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $55,405 in Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Cedar Rapids 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.