Creative & Education Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Special Education Teacher Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median special education teacher salary in Chattanooga, TN is $55,405 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$55,405
vs State Avg
$-629
vs National
$-7,555
Cost of Living
88%

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

Chattanooga offers a median special education teacher salary of $55,405, which is $629 below the Tennessee state average of $56,034. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Chattanooga pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Chattanooga's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $55,405 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Chattanooga spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $84,480 at the 90th percentile — a $47,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,720, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,200. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $38,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,200
$-10,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $44,000
Median (50th) $55,405
75th Percentile $68,640
90th Percentile $84,480

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$62,960
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$57,923
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$55,405
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$54,146
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Chattanooga

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open special education teacher positions in Chattanooga, TN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $55,405 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $84,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,405, a special education teacher in Chattanooga earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median special education teacher salary of $55,405 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $56,034. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $55,405 in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Chattanooga 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.