Creative & Education Helena, MT Pop. 32,315

Special Education Teacher Salary in Helena, Montana

The median special education teacher salary in Helena, MT is $59,182 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 1.1% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$59,182
vs State Avg
$-630
vs National
$-3,778
Cost of Living
94%

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

Helena offers a median special education teacher salary of $59,182, which is $630 below the Montana state average of $59,812. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Helena pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Helena's cost of living is 94% 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 Helena spans from $39,480 at the 10th percentile to $90,240 at the 90th percentile — a $50,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,360, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,600. Helena is a smaller market (pop. 32,315), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Helena by Experience

In Helena, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $41,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,360
$-2,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,160
$-3,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,600
$-5,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT

Percentile Helena
10th Percentile $39,480
25th Percentile $47,000
Median (50th) $59,182
75th Percentile $73,320
90th Percentile $90,240

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
Great Falls, MT
$55,405
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Helena

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Helena

Browse open special education teacher positions in Helena, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Helena

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Helena, MT? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Helena, Montana is $59,182 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $39,480 (10th percentile) to $90,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Helena? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,182, a special education teacher in Helena earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Helena compare to the Montana state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Helena's median special education teacher salary of $59,182 is 1.1% below the Montana state average of $59,812. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT? ▼
Helena has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $59,182 in Helena 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 Helena? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Helena 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.