Creative & Education Springfield, MO Pop. 169,176

Special Education Teacher Salary in Springfield, Missouri

The median special education teacher salary in Springfield, MO is $51,627 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$51,627
vs State Avg
$-3,778
vs National
$-11,333
Cost of Living
82%

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

Springfield offers a median special education teacher salary of $51,627, which is $3,778 below the Missouri state average of $55,405. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield'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 Springfield an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Springfield 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. With a population of 169,176, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, 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 Springfield, MO

Percentile Springfield
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 Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$57,923
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$56,664
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$55,405
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$53,516
Pop. 123,011

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Springfield

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Springfield

Browse open special education teacher positions in Springfield, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Springfield

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Springfield, MO? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Springfield, Missouri 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 Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,627, a special education teacher in Springfield earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Missouri state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Springfield's median special education teacher salary of $51,627 is 6.8% below the Missouri state average of $55,405. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, MO? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $51,627 in Springfield 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 Springfield? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Springfield 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.