Creative & Education Oklahoma (OK) Rank #47 of 50

Special Education Teacher Salary in Oklahoma

The median special education teacher salary in Oklahoma is $54,146 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $62,960.

Median Salary
$54,146
vs National
$-8,814
State Rank
#47 of 50
Cost of Living
86%

Special Education Teacher Salary Overview in Oklahoma (2026)

Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for special education teacher compensation. Special Education Teacher salaries in Oklahoma are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $54,146 per year, special education teachers in Oklahoma earn $8,814 less than the national median of $62,960.

A key advantage of working in Oklahoma is its below-average cost of living (86% of the national index). This means the $54,146 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $62,960 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Oklahoma is significant: special education teachers at the 10th percentile earn $36,120, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $82,560 — a $46,440 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Oklahoma for this role is Edmond, where the median reaches $57,923.

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for special education teachers across the country.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Oklahoma by Experience

In Oklahoma, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $37,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,400 per year. The cost of living index in Oklahoma 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

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Salary Percentiles in Oklahoma

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

Special Education Teacher Salary by City in Oklahoma

The largest employment areas for special education teachers in Oklahoma include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, and Broken Arrow. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Oklahoma

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Oklahoma has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

IEP DevelopmentAdaptive TeachingAssessmentBehavioral ManagementCommunicationPatience

Job Outlook in Oklahoma

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Oklahoma's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Oklahoma

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Oklahoma? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,146, a special education teacher in Oklahoma earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Oklahoma a good state for special education teachers? ▼
Oklahoma ranks #47 out of 50 states for special education teacher pay. The cost of living index is 86% of the national average. Entry-level special education teachers earn $37,840, while senior professionals earn $77,400.
How does Oklahoma compare to other states for special education teacher salary? ▼
The highest paying state for special education teachers is Hawaii at $107,032. Oklahoma's median of $54,146 ranks #47 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kansas ($54,775) and Kentucky ($54,775).
What is the entry-level special education teacher salary in Oklahoma? ▼
An entry-level special education teacher in Oklahoma earns approximately $37,840 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $77,400.
What city in Oklahoma pays special education teachers the most? ▼
Edmond is the highest paying city in Oklahoma for special education teachers, with a median salary of $57,923. Other cities include Oklahoma City and Tulsa.