Average Special Education Teacher Salary in Missouri
Special Education Teachers in Missouri earn an average of $60,498 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +9.2% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$60,498
per year
Hourly Rate
$29.09
per hour
vs National
-9.2%
$66,620 national
Salary Range
$39,562
to $89,094
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$60,498
Cost of Living Index
90
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$67,220
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Missouri's cost of living (below average), a Special Education Teacher's salary of $60,498 has the purchasing power of $67,220 in an average-cost area.
Special Education Teacher Salary by City in Missouri
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO | $60,882 | $29.27/hr | $38,672 | $87,977 | 501 |
| St. Louis, MO | $60,114 | $28.90/hr | $40,452 | $90,210 | 486 |
Modeled estimates derived from the 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS national median and regional cost factors. Sorted by estimated median salary (highest first).
Missouri vs National Average
Special Education Teacher Salary Comparison
Employment in Missouri
There are approximately 987 Special Education Teachers employed across 2 metro areas in Missouri.
Key Industries: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 0% - 4.95%
Special Education Teacher Salary Range in Missouri
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$39,562
Starting salary for new Special Education Teachers
Median (50th Percentile)
$60,498
Mid-career Special Education Teacher salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$89,094
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Missouri
Business Professor
$95,803
avg in MO
+$35,305 vs Special Education Teacher
Instructional Coordinator
$68,329
avg in MO
+$7,831 vs Special Education Teacher
Secondary School Teacher
$60,170
avg in MO
-$328 vs Special Education Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
$59,528
avg in MO
-$970 vs Special Education Teacher
Preschool Teacher
$34,340
avg in MO
-$26,158 vs Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teacher Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Special Education Teacher salaries in Missouri with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Special Education Teacher Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Special Education Teacher salary in Missouri?
The average Special Education Teacher salary in Missouri is $60,498 per year ($29.09/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 9.2% below the national average of $66,620.
What is the highest paying city for Special Education Teachers in Missouri?
Kansas City, MO is the highest paying city for Special Education Teachers in Missouri, with a median salary of $60,882 per year. The lowest paying metro area is St. Louis, MO at $60,114.
What is the salary range for Special Education Teachers in Missouri?
Special Education Teacher salaries in Missouri range from $39,562 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $89,094 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $60,498 per year.
About This Data
The national median for this occupation comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The metro and state figures on this page are modeled estimates: we adjust that national median using regional wage differentials and cost-of-living indexes, then average the metros within Missouri. They are not direct BLS metro observations and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers.