Creative & Education Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Special Education Teacher Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median special education teacher salary in Lake Charles, LA is $54,146 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$54,146
vs State Avg
$-3,148
vs National
$-8,814
Cost of Living
86%

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

Lake Charles offers a median special education teacher salary of $54,146, which is $3,148 below the Louisiana state average of $57,294. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Lake Charles pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lake Charles's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $54,146 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Lake Charles spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $82,560 at the 90th percentile — a $46,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,840, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,400. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $37,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,840
$-6,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,040
$-8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,400
$-12,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $43,000
Median (50th) $54,146
75th Percentile $67,080
90th Percentile $82,560

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$61,701
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$57,923
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$55,405
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$53,516
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Lake Charles

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open special education teacher positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $54,146 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $82,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,146, a special education teacher in Lake Charles earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median special education teacher salary of $54,146 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $57,294. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
Lake Charles has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $54,146 in Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Lake Charles 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.