Special Education Teacher Salary in Memphis, TN: $54,146 (2026)

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

Memphis offers a median special education teacher salary of $54,146, which is $1,888 below the Tennessee state average of $56,034. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $54,146 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Memphis spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $82,560 at the 90th percentile — a $46,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,840, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,400. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $37,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$37,840

$-6,160 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,040

$-8,960 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,400

$-12,600 vs national

Percentile	Memphis	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$36,120	$37,380	$42,000
25th Percentile	$43,000	$44,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$54,146	$56,034	$62,960
75th Percentile	$67,080	$69,420	$78,000
90th Percentile	$82,560	$85,440	$96,000

Percentile

Memphis

10th Percentile

$36,120

25th Percentile

$43,000

Median (50th)

$54,146

75th Percentile

$67,080

90th Percentile

$82,560

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Memphis

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Memphis

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Memphis, TN? ▼

The median special education teacher salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $54,146 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $82,560 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $54,146, a special education teacher in Memphis earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for special education teacher pay? ▼

Memphis's median special education teacher salary of $54,146 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $56,034. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼

Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $54,146 in Memphis 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 Memphis? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Memphis 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 Memphis, Tennessee