Creative & Education Portland, ME Pop. 68,408

Special Education Teacher Salary in Portland, Maine

The median special education teacher salary in Portland, ME is $67,997 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 10.2% above the Maine state average.

City Median
$67,997
vs State Avg
+$6,296
vs National
+$5,037
Cost of Living
108%

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

Portland offers a median special education teacher salary of $67,997, which is $6,296 above the Maine state average of $61,701. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Portland pays above average for this role.

Portland's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for special education teachers in Portland spans from $45,360 at the 10th percentile to $103,680 at the 90th percentile — a $58,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,520, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $97,200. Portland is a smaller market (pop. 68,408), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $47,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,520
+$3,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,120
+$5,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,200
+$7,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, ME

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $45,360
25th Percentile $54,000
Median (50th) $67,997
75th Percentile $84,240
90th Percentile $103,680

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Maine Cities

South Portland, ME
$66,108
Pop. 25,665
Bangor, ME
$57,923
Pop. 32,029
Lewiston, ME
$56,664
Pop. 37,121
Auburn, ME
$56,034
Pop. 23,926

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Portland

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Portland

Browse open special education teacher positions in Portland, ME:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Portland

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Portland, ME? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Portland, Maine is $67,997 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $45,360 (10th percentile) to $103,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,997, a special education teacher in Portland earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Maine state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Portland's median special education teacher salary of $67,997 is 10.2% above the Maine state average of $61,701. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, ME? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $67,997 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a special education teacher in Portland? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Portland 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.