Special Education Teacher Salary in Sioux City, IA: $52,886 (2026)

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

Sioux City offers a median special education teacher salary of $52,886, which is $3,148 below the Iowa state average of $56,034. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $52,886 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Sioux City spans from $35,280 at the 10th percentile to $80,640 at the 90th percentile — a $45,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,600. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,960

$-7,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$53,760

$-10,240 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$75,600

$-14,400 vs national

Percentile	Sioux City	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$35,280	$37,380	$42,000
25th Percentile	$42,000	$44,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$52,886	$56,034	$62,960
75th Percentile	$65,520	$69,420	$78,000
90th Percentile	$80,640	$85,440	$96,000

Percentile

Sioux City

10th Percentile

$35,280

25th Percentile

$42,000

Median (50th)

$52,886

75th Percentile

$65,520

90th Percentile

$80,640

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Sioux City

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Sioux City

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

The median special education teacher salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $52,886 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $35,280 (10th percentile) to $80,640 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $52,886, a special education teacher in Sioux City earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Sioux City's median special education teacher salary of $52,886 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $56,034. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

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

Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $52,886 in Sioux 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 Sioux City? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Sioux 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 Sioux City, Iowa