Creative & Education Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Special Education Teacher Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median special education teacher salary in Erie, PA is $52,886 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$52,886
vs State Avg
$-7,556
vs National
$-10,074
Cost of Living
84%

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

Erie offers a median special education teacher salary of $52,886, which is $7,556 below the Pennsylvania state average of $60,442. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $52,886 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Erie spans from $35,280 at the 10th percentile to $80,640 at the 90th percentile — a $45,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,600. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
$-7,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,760
$-10,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $35,280
25th Percentile $42,000
Median (50th) $52,886
75th Percentile $65,520
90th Percentile $80,640

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$64,219
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$59,182
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$58,553
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$55,405
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Erie

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Erie

Browse open special education teacher positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Erie

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $52,886 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $35,280 (10th percentile) to $80,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,886, a special education teacher in Erie earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Erie's median special education teacher salary of $52,886 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $60,442. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $52,886 in Erie 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 Erie? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Erie 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.