Special Education Teacher Salary in Owensboro, KY: $51,627 (2026)

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

Owensboro offers a median special education teacher salary of $51,627, which is $3,148 below the Kentucky state average of $54,775. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $51,627 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Owensboro spans from $34,440 at the 10th percentile to $78,720 at the 90th percentile — a $44,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,080, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,800. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $36,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,080

$-7,920 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$52,480

$-11,520 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$73,800

$-16,200 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$34,440	$36,540	$42,000
25th Percentile	$41,000	$43,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$51,627	$54,775	$62,960
75th Percentile	$63,960	$67,860	$78,000
90th Percentile	$78,720	$83,520	$96,000

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$34,440

25th Percentile

$41,000

Median (50th)

$51,627

75th Percentile

$63,960

90th Percentile

$78,720

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Owensboro

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median special education teacher salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $51,627 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $34,440 (10th percentile) to $78,720 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $51,627, a special education teacher in Owensboro earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for special education teacher pay? ▼

Owensboro's median special education teacher salary of $51,627 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $54,775. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $51,627 in Owensboro 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 Owensboro? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Owensboro 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 Owensboro, Kentucky