Creative & Education Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Special Education Teacher Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median special education teacher salary in Kearney, NE is $54,146 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$54,146
vs State Avg
$-2,518
vs National
$-8,814
Cost of Living
86%

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

Kearney offers a median special education teacher salary of $54,146, which is $2,518 below the Nebraska state average of $56,664. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Kearney pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kearney's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $54,146 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Kearney spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $82,560 at the 90th percentile — a $46,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,840, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,400. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $37,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,840
$-6,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,040
$-8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,400
$-12,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $43,000
Median (50th) $54,146
75th Percentile $67,080
90th Percentile $82,560

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
Grand Island, NE
$52,886
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Kearney

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Kearney

Browse open special education teacher positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Kearney

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $54,146 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $82,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,146, a special education teacher in Kearney earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Kearney's median special education teacher salary of $54,146 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $56,664. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kearney, NE? ▼
Kearney has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $54,146 in Kearney 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 Kearney? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Kearney 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.