Creative & Education Montana (MT) Rank #25 of 50

Special Education Teacher Salary in Montana

The median special education teacher salary in Montana is $59,812 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $62,960.

Median Salary
$59,812
vs National
$-3,148
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Special Education Teacher Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for special education teacher compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for special education teacher pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $59,812 per year, special education teachers in Montana earn $3,148 less than the national median of $62,960.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning special education teacher salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana is significant: special education teachers at the 10th percentile earn $39,900, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $91,200 — a $51,300 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Montana for this role is Bozeman, where the median reaches $72,404.

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for special education teachers across the country.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $41,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,800
$-2,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,800
$-3,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,500
$-4,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $39,900
25th Percentile $47,500
Median (50th) $59,812
75th Percentile $74,100
90th Percentile $91,200

Special Education Teacher Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for special education teachers in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Montana

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Montana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

IEP DevelopmentAdaptive TeachingAssessmentBehavioral ManagementCommunicationPatience

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Montana

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Montana? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Montana is $59,812 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $91,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,812, a special education teacher in Montana earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for special education teachers? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for special education teacher pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level special education teachers earn $41,800, while senior professionals earn $85,500.
How does Montana compare to other states for special education teacher salary? ▼
The highest paying state for special education teachers is Hawaii at $107,032. Montana's median of $59,812 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($60,442) and Illinois ($59,812).
What is the entry-level special education teacher salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level special education teacher in Montana earns approximately $41,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $60,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $85,500.
What city in Montana pays special education teachers the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for special education teachers, with a median salary of $72,404. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.