Creative & Education Tulsa, OK Pop. 413,066

Special Education Teacher Salary in Tulsa, Oklahoma

The median special education teacher salary in Tulsa, OK is $54,146 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 0.0% above the Oklahoma state average.

City Median
$54,146
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-8,814
Cost of Living
86%

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

Tulsa offers a median special education teacher salary of $54,146, which is $0 above the Oklahoma state average of $54,146. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Tulsa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for special education teachers in Tulsa 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 413,066, Tulsa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Tulsa by Experience

In Tulsa, 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 Tulsa, OK

Percentile Tulsa
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 Oklahoma Cities

Edmond, OK
$57,923
Pop. 94,054
Oklahoma City, OK
$55,405
Pop. 681,054
Norman, OK
$55,405
Pop. 128,026
Broken Arrow, OK
$55,405
Pop. 113,540

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Tulsa

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Tulsa

Browse open special education teacher positions in Tulsa, OK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Tulsa

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Tulsa, OK? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Tulsa, 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 Tulsa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,146, a special education teacher in Tulsa earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tulsa compare to the Oklahoma state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Tulsa's median special education teacher salary of $54,146 is 0.0% above the Oklahoma state average of $54,146. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tulsa, OK? ▼
Tulsa has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $54,146 in Tulsa 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 Tulsa? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Tulsa 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.