Creative & Education Kansas City, KS Pop. 156,607

Special Education Teacher Salary in Kansas City, Kansas

The median special education teacher salary in Kansas City, KS is $55,405 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.2% above the Kansas state average.

City Median
$55,405
vs State Avg
+$630
vs National
$-7,555
Cost of Living
88%

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

Kansas City offers a median special education teacher salary of $55,405, which is $630 above the Kansas state average of $54,775. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kansas City'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 Kansas City an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Kansas City 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 156,607, Kansas City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, KS

Percentile Kansas City
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 Kansas Cities

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Kansas City

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open special education teacher positions in Kansas City, KS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Kansas City, KS? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Kansas City, Kansas 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 Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,405, a special education teacher in Kansas City earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Kansas state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Kansas City's median special education teacher salary of $55,405 is 1.2% above the Kansas state average of $54,775. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, KS? ▼
Kansas City has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $55,405 in Kansas 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 Kansas City? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Kansas 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.