Creative & Education Rochester, MN Pop. 121,395

Special Education Teacher Salary in Rochester, Minnesota

The median special education teacher salary in Rochester, MN is $61,701 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 1.0% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$61,701
vs State Avg
+$630
vs National
$-1,259
Cost of Living
98%

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

Rochester offers a median special education teacher salary of $61,701, which is $630 above the Minnesota state average of $61,071. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 98% 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 Rochester spans from $41,160 at the 10th percentile to $94,080 at the 90th percentile — a $52,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,120, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,200. With a population of 121,395, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $43,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,120
$-880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,720
$-1,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,200
$-1,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, MN

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $41,160
25th Percentile $49,000
Median (50th) $61,701
75th Percentile $76,440
90th Percentile $94,080

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

Minneapolis, MN
$66,108
Pop. 429,954
Bloomington, MN
$64,219
Pop. 89,987
Saint Paul, MN
$62,960
Pop. 311,527
Duluth, MN
$56,664
Pop. 90,884

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Rochester

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Rochester

Browse open special education teacher positions in Rochester, MN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Rochester

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Rochester, MN? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Rochester, Minnesota is $61,701 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $41,160 (10th percentile) to $94,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,701, a special education teacher in Rochester earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the Minnesota state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Rochester's median special education teacher salary of $61,701 is 1.0% above the Minnesota state average of $61,071. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rochester, MN? ▼
Rochester has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $61,701 in Rochester 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 Rochester? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Rochester 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.