Special Education Teacher Salary in Cleveland, OH: $54,146 (2026)

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

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

One of Cleveland'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 Cleveland an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Cleveland 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. With a population of 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, 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

Percentile	Cleveland	OH State	National
10th Percentile	$36,120	$37,800	$42,000
25th Percentile	$43,000	$45,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$54,146	$56,664	$62,960
75th Percentile	$67,080	$70,200	$78,000
90th Percentile	$82,560	$86,400	$96,000

Percentile

Cleveland

10th Percentile

$36,120

25th Percentile

$43,000

Median (50th)

$54,146

75th Percentile

$67,080

90th Percentile

$82,560

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Cleveland

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Cleveland, OH? ▼

The median special education teacher salary in Cleveland, Ohio 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 Cleveland? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $54,146, a special education teacher in Cleveland earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for special education teacher pay? ▼

Cleveland's median special education teacher salary of $54,146 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $56,664. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼

Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $54,146 in Cleveland 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 Cleveland? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Cleveland 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.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Cleveland, Ohio