Creative & Education Great Falls, MT Pop. 60,442

Special Education Teacher Salary in Great Falls, Montana

The median special education teacher salary in Great Falls, MT is $55,405 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 7.4% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$55,405
vs State Avg
$-4,407
vs National
$-7,555
Cost of Living
88%

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

Great Falls offers a median special education teacher salary of $55,405, which is $4,407 below the Montana state average of $59,812. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Great Falls's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $55,405 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Great Falls an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Great Falls spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $84,480 at the 90th percentile — a $47,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,720, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,200. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $38,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,200
$-10,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Great Falls, MT

Percentile Great Falls
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $44,000
Median (50th) $55,405
75th Percentile $68,640
90th Percentile $84,480

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$72,404
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$64,219
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$60,442
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$59,182
Pop. 32,315

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Great Falls

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Great Falls

Browse open special education teacher positions in Great Falls, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Great Falls, MT? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Great Falls, Montana is $55,405 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $84,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Great Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,405, a special education teacher in Great Falls earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Great Falls's median special education teacher salary of $55,405 is 7.4% below the Montana state average of $59,812. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼
Great Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $55,405 in Great Falls 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 Great Falls? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Great Falls 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.