Creative & Education Gulfport, MS Pop. 72,926

Special Education Teacher Salary in Gulfport, Mississippi

The median special education teacher salary in Gulfport, MS is $51,627 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 1.2% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$51,627
vs State Avg
$-630
vs National
$-11,333
Cost of Living
82%

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

Gulfport offers a median special education teacher salary of $51,627, which is $630 below the Mississippi state average of $52,257. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Gulfport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Gulfport's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $51,627 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Gulfport an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Gulfport spans from $34,440 at the 10th percentile to $78,720 at the 90th percentile — a $44,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,080, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,800. Gulfport is a smaller market (pop. 72,926), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Gulfport by Experience

In Gulfport, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $36,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,080
$-7,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,480
$-11,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,800
$-16,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Gulfport, MS

Percentile Gulfport
10th Percentile $34,440
25th Percentile $41,000
Median (50th) $51,627
75th Percentile $63,960
90th Percentile $78,720

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$53,516
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$52,886
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$52,257
Pop. 46,212
Hattiesburg, MS
$50,368
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Gulfport

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Gulfport

Browse open special education teacher positions in Gulfport, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Gulfport

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Gulfport, MS? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Gulfport, Mississippi is $51,627 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $34,440 (10th percentile) to $78,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Gulfport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,627, a special education teacher in Gulfport earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Gulfport compare to the Mississippi state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Gulfport's median special education teacher salary of $51,627 is 1.2% below the Mississippi state average of $52,257. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Gulfport, MS? ▼
Gulfport has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $51,627 in Gulfport 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 Gulfport? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Gulfport 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.