Creative & Education Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Special Education Teacher Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median special education teacher salary in Lafayette, LA is $55,405 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$55,405
vs State Avg
$-1,889
vs National
$-7,555
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median special education teacher salary of $55,405, which is $1,889 below the Louisiana state average of $57,294. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for special education teachers in Lafayette 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 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
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 Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$61,701
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$57,923
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$54,146
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$53,516
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open special education teacher positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Lafayette, Louisiana 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 Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,405, a special education teacher in Lafayette earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Lafayette's median special education teacher salary of $55,405 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $57,294. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $55,405 in Lafayette 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 Lafayette? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Lafayette 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.