Creative & Education Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Special Education Teacher Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median special education teacher salary in Salem, OR is $64,219 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$64,219
vs State Avg
$-5,037
vs National
+$1,259
Cost of Living
102%

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

Salem offers a median special education teacher salary of $64,219, which is $5,037 below the Oregon state average of $69,256. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Salem pays above average for this role.

Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $42,840 at the 10th percentile to $97,920 at the 90th percentile — a $55,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,880, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $91,800. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $44,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,880
+$880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,280
+$1,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,800
+$1,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $42,840
25th Percentile $51,000
Median (50th) $64,219
75th Percentile $79,560
90th Percentile $97,920

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Portland, OR
$74,293
Pop. 652,503
Hillsboro, OR
$70,515
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$67,997
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$66,108
Pop. 176,654

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Salem

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Salem

Browse open special education teacher positions in Salem, OR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Salem

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Salem, Oregon is $64,219 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $42,840 (10th percentile) to $97,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,219, a special education teacher in Salem earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Salem's median special education teacher salary of $64,219 is 7.3% below the Oregon state average of $69,256. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $64,219 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a special education teacher in Salem? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Salem 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.