Special Education Teacher Salary in Providence, RI: $67,997 (2026)

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

Providence offers a median special education teacher salary of $67,997, which is $1,889 above the Rhode Island state average of $66,108. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Providence pays above average for this role.

Providence's cost of living is 108% 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 Providence spans from $45,360 at the 10th percentile to $103,680 at the 90th percentile — a $58,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,520, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $97,200. With a population of 190,934, Providence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Providence by Experience

In Providence, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $47,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$47,520

+$3,520 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$69,120

+$5,120 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$97,200

+$7,200 vs national

Percentile	Providence	RI State	National
10th Percentile	$45,360	$44,100	$42,000
25th Percentile	$54,000	$52,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$67,997	$66,108	$62,960
75th Percentile	$84,240	$81,900	$78,000
90th Percentile	$103,680	$100,800	$96,000

Percentile

Providence

10th Percentile

$45,360

25th Percentile

$54,000

Median (50th)

$67,997

75th Percentile

$84,240

90th Percentile

$103,680

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Providence

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Providence

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Providence, RI? ▼

The median special education teacher salary in Providence, Rhode Island is $67,997 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $45,360 (10th percentile) to $103,680 (90th percentile).

How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Providence? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $67,997, a special education teacher in Providence earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Providence compare to the Rhode Island state average for special education teacher pay? ▼

Providence's median special education teacher salary of $67,997 is 2.9% above the Rhode Island state average of $66,108. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Providence, RI? ▼

Providence has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $67,997 in Providence 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 Providence? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Providence 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 Providence, Rhode Island