Creative & Education Lincoln, NE Pop. 291,082

Special Education Teacher Salary in Lincoln, Nebraska

The median special education teacher salary in Lincoln, NE is $56,664 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$56,664
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-6,296
Cost of Living
90%

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

Lincoln offers a median special education teacher salary of $56,664, which is $0 above the Nebraska state average of $56,664. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Lincoln pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lincoln's cost of living is 90% 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 Lincoln spans from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $86,400 at the 90th percentile — a $48,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,000. With a population of 291,082, Lincoln is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Lincoln by Experience

In Lincoln, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
$-4,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,000
$-9,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lincoln, NE

Percentile Lincoln
10th Percentile $37,800
25th Percentile $45,000
Median (50th) $56,664
75th Percentile $70,200
90th Percentile $86,400

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$58,553
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$57,923
Pop. 64,176
Kearney, NE
$54,146
Pop. 33,464
Grand Island, NE
$52,886
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Lincoln

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Lincoln

Browse open special education teacher positions in Lincoln, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Lincoln

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Lincoln, NE? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Lincoln, Nebraska is $56,664 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $86,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Lincoln? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,664, a special education teacher in Lincoln earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lincoln compare to the Nebraska state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Lincoln's median special education teacher salary of $56,664 is 0.0% above the Nebraska state average of $56,664. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lincoln, NE? ▼
Lincoln has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $56,664 in Lincoln 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 Lincoln? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Lincoln 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.