Creative & Education Louisiana (LA) Rank #33 of 50

Special Education Teacher Salary in Louisiana

The median special education teacher salary in Louisiana is $57,294 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $62,960.

Median Salary
$57,294
vs National
$-5,666
State Rank
#33 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Special Education Teacher Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for special education teacher compensation. Special Education Teacher salaries in Louisiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $57,294 per year, special education teachers in Louisiana earn $5,666 less than the national median of $62,960.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $57,294 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $62,960 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: special education teachers at the 10th percentile earn $38,220, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $87,360 — a $49,140 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $61,701.

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 Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $40,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,900 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,040
$-3,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,900
$-8,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $38,220
25th Percentile $45,500
Median (50th) $57,294
75th Percentile $70,980
90th Percentile $87,360

Special Education Teacher Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for special education teachers in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Louisiana

Education

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

Key Skills

IEP DevelopmentAdaptive TeachingAssessmentBehavioral ManagementCommunicationPatience

Job Outlook in Louisiana

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Louisiana? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Louisiana is $57,294 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $38,220 (10th percentile) to $87,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,294, a special education teacher in Louisiana earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for special education teachers? ▼
Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for special education teacher pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level special education teachers earn $40,040, while senior professionals earn $81,900.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for special education teacher salary? ▼
The highest paying state for special education teachers is Hawaii at $107,032. Louisiana's median of $57,294 ranks #33 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($57,923) and Wyoming ($57,923).
What is the entry-level special education teacher salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level special education teacher in Louisiana earns approximately $40,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,240. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $81,900.
What city in Louisiana pays special education teachers the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for special education teachers, with a median salary of $61,701. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.