Creative & Education Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Special Education Teacher Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median special education teacher salary in Charleston, SC is $62,960 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$62,960
vs State Avg
+$6,926
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Charleston offers a median special education teacher salary of $62,960, which is $6,926 above the South Carolina state average of $56,034. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% 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 Charleston spans from $42,000 at the 10th percentile to $96,000 at the 90th percentile — a $54,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $42,000
25th Percentile $50,000
Median (50th) $62,960
75th Percentile $78,000
90th Percentile $96,000

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Charleston

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Charleston

Browse open special education teacher positions in Charleston, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Charleston

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $62,960 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $42,000 (10th percentile) to $96,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,960, a special education teacher in Charleston earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Charleston's median special education teacher salary of $62,960 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $56,034. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $62,960 in Charleston 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 Charleston? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Charleston 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.