Illinois ranks 10th of 51 states and D.C. for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school pay, trailing top-paying California ($90,530) by $14,360 — a 19% gap.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School are more concentrated in Illinois than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.38 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.38× the national share.
Illinois employs roughly 5.4% of all special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in the country (12,550 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $48,830 | N/A |
| 25th percentile | $60,160 | N/A |
| 50th percentile (median) | $76,170 | N/A |
| 75th percentile | $94,270 | N/A |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $100,620 | N/A |
| Mean (average) | $75,030 | N/A |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $76,170 | n/a |
| California | $90,530 | +19% |
| Washington | $85,340 | +12% |
| District of Columbia | $82,400 | +8% |
| Connecticut | $81,220 | +7% |
| New York | $80,750 | +6% |
| Massachusetts | $78,820 | +3% |
| Oregon | $78,320 | +3% |
| Rhode Island | $77,930 | +2% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $76,120 | 2,280 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $76,110 | 7,050 |
| Education Administrators, All Other | $76,060 | 1,650 |
| Producers and Directors | $76,370 | 3,380 |
| Loan Officers | $75,960 | 10,330 |
| Carpenters | $76,410 | 24,930 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Illinois?
The mean special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary in Illinois is $75,030 per year. The median (middle) salary is $76,170 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Illinois?
Entry-level special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools (10th percentile) in Illinois typically earn around $48,830 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $60,160 per year.
What is the highest Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $100,620 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $94,270 per year.
How does the Illinois Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary compare to the national average?
The median special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary in Illinois is $76,170, which is +21% above national average of $63,000.