Creative & Education Saint Louis, MO Pop. 301,578

Special Education Teacher Salary in Saint Louis, Missouri

The median special education teacher salary in Saint Louis, MO is $56,664 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$56,664
vs State Avg
+$1,259
vs National
$-6,296
Cost of Living
90%

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

Saint Louis offers a median special education teacher salary of $56,664, which is $1,259 above the Missouri state average of $55,405. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Saint Louis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Saint Louis's cost of living is 90% 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 Saint Louis spans from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $86,400 at the 90th percentile — a $48,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,000. With a population of 301,578, Saint Louis is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Saint Louis by Experience

In Saint Louis, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
$-4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,000
$-9,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Saint Louis, MO

Percentile Saint Louis
10th Percentile $37,800
25th Percentile $45,000
Median (50th) $56,664
75th Percentile $70,200
90th Percentile $86,400

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$57,923
Pop. 508,090
Columbia, MO
$55,405
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$53,516
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$51,627
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Saint Louis

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Saint Louis

Browse open special education teacher positions in Saint Louis, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Saint Louis

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Saint Louis, MO? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Saint Louis, Missouri is $56,664 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $86,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Saint Louis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,664, a special education teacher in Saint Louis earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Saint Louis compare to the Missouri state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Saint Louis's median special education teacher salary of $56,664 is 2.3% above the Missouri state average of $55,405. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Saint Louis, MO? ▼
Saint Louis has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $56,664 in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Saint Louis 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.