Creative & Education Kansas (KS) Rank #45 of 50

Special Education Teacher Salary in Kansas

The median special education teacher salary in Kansas is $54,775 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $62,960.

Median Salary
$54,775
vs National
$-8,185
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Special Education Teacher Salary Overview in Kansas (2026)

Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for special education teacher compensation. Special Education Teacher salaries in Kansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $54,775 per year, special education teachers in Kansas earn $8,185 less than the national median of $62,960.

A key advantage of working in Kansas is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $54,775 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $62,960 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kansas is significant: special education teachers at the 10th percentile earn $36,540, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $83,520 — a $46,980 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kansas for this role is Overland Park, where the median reaches $60,442.

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for special education teachers across the country.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Kansas by Experience

In Kansas, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $38,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,300 per year. The cost of living index in Kansas is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,280
$-5,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,680
$-8,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,300
$-11,700 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kansas

Percentile KS Salary
10th Percentile $36,540
25th Percentile $43,500
Median (50th) $54,775
75th Percentile $67,860
90th Percentile $83,520

Special Education Teacher Salary by City in Kansas

The largest employment areas for special education teachers in Kansas include Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Topeka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Kansas

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Kansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

IEP DevelopmentAdaptive TeachingAssessmentBehavioral ManagementCommunicationPatience

Job Outlook in Kansas

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Kansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Kansas

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Kansas? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Kansas is $54,775 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $36,540 (10th percentile) to $83,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Kansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,775, a special education teacher in Kansas earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kansas a good state for special education teachers? ▼
Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for special education teacher pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level special education teachers earn $38,280, while senior professionals earn $78,300.
How does Kansas compare to other states for special education teacher salary? ▼
The highest paying state for special education teachers is Hawaii at $107,032. Kansas's median of $54,775 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Dakota ($55,405) and Alabama ($54,775).
What is the entry-level special education teacher salary in Kansas? ▼
An entry-level special education teacher in Kansas earns approximately $38,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,680. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $78,300.
What city in Kansas pays special education teachers the most? ▼
Overland Park is the highest paying city in Kansas for special education teachers, with a median salary of $60,442. Other cities include Wichita and Kansas City.