Creative & Education Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Special Education Teacher Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median special education teacher salary in Grand Island, NE is $52,886 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$52,886
vs State Avg
$-3,778
vs National
$-10,074
Cost of Living
84%

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

Grand Island offers a median special education teacher salary of $52,886, which is $3,778 below the Nebraska state average of $56,664. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Grand Island pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Island's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $52,886 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Grand Island spans from $35,280 at the 10th percentile to $80,640 at the 90th percentile — a $45,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,600. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
$-7,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,760
$-10,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $35,280
25th Percentile $42,000
Median (50th) $52,886
75th Percentile $65,520
90th Percentile $80,640

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$58,553
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$57,923
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$56,664
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$54,146
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Grand Island

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Grand Island and the surrounding Nebraska 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 Grand Island may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open special education teacher positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $52,886 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $35,280 (10th percentile) to $80,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,886, a special education teacher in Grand Island earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Grand Island's median special education teacher salary of $52,886 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $56,664. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Island, NE? ▼
Grand Island has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $52,886 in Grand Island 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 Grand Island? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Grand Island 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.