Creative & Education Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

Special Education Teacher Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median special education teacher salary in Nashville, TN is $62,960 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Tennessee state average.

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

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

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

Nashville'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 Nashville 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. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, 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 Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
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 Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Nashville

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Nashville

Browse open special education teacher positions in Nashville, TN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Nashville

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Nashville, Tennessee 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 Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,960, a special education teacher in Nashville earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Nashville's median special education teacher salary of $62,960 is 12.4% above the Tennessee state average of $56,034. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $62,960 in Nashville 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 Nashville? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Nashville 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.