Special Education Teacher Salary in Iowa City, IA: $59,812 (2026)

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

Iowa City offers a median special education teacher salary of $59,812, which is $3,778 above the Iowa state average of $56,034. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% 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 Iowa City spans from $39,900 at the 10th percentile to $91,200 at the 90th percentile — a $51,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,800, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,500. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $41,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$41,800

$-2,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$60,800

$-3,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$85,500

$-4,500 vs national

Percentile	Iowa City	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$39,900	$37,380	$42,000
25th Percentile	$47,500	$44,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$59,812	$56,034	$62,960
75th Percentile	$74,100	$69,420	$78,000
90th Percentile	$91,200	$85,440	$96,000

Percentile

Iowa City

10th Percentile

$39,900

25th Percentile

$47,500

Median (50th)

$59,812

75th Percentile

$74,100

90th Percentile

$91,200

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Iowa City

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Iowa City, IA? ▼

The median special education teacher salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $59,812 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $91,200 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $59,812, a special education teacher in Iowa City earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for special education teacher pay? ▼

Iowa City's median special education teacher salary of $59,812 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $56,034. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼

Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $59,812 in Iowa City 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 Iowa City? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Iowa City 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 Iowa City, Iowa