Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| Illinois | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $77,960 | $71,377 | +9% |
| Median hourly wage | $37.48 | $34.32 | +9% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $77,960.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City-level data coming soon. | ||||
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teacher in Illinois is $77,960, or about $37.48 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Special Education Teachers is $71,377. Illinois is +9% above the national median.
Entry-level special education teachers in Illinois typically earn from varies by experience depending on the city and employer.
With 14,040 special education teacher jobs on record and a median salary of $77,960, Illinois offers above-average pay compared to the rest of the country.