Illinois ranks 12th of 51 states and D.C. for special education teachers, secondary school pay, trailing top-paying California ($101,250) by $24,290 — a 32% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $48,250 to $124,560 — a $76,310 spread, 31% wider than the national $58,120 range.
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School are more concentrated in Illinois than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.39 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.39× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $48,250 | N/A |
| 25th percentile | $61,230 | N/A |
| 50th percentile (median) | $76,960 | N/A |
| 75th percentile | $101,100 | N/A |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $124,560 | N/A |
| Mean (average) | $82,390 | N/A |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $76,960 | n/a |
| California | $101,250 | +32% |
| Washington | $97,820 | +27% |
| District of Columbia | $96,880 | +26% |
| New York | $91,830 | +19% |
| Rhode Island | $89,460 | +16% |
| Massachusetts | $82,580 | +7% |
| New Jersey | $80,360 | +4% |
| Maryland | $79,370 | +3% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $77,020 | 47,890 |
| Logisticians | $76,550 | 10,780 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $76,520 | 2,110 |
| Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers | $77,450 | 5,980 |
| Carpenters | $76,410 | 24,930 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | $77,520 | 4,810 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in Illinois?
The mean special education teachers, secondary school salary in Illinois is $82,390 per year. The median (middle) salary is $76,960 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Illinois?
Entry-level special education teachers, secondary schools (10th percentile) in Illinois typically earn around $48,250 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $61,230 per year.
What is the highest Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $124,560 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $101,100 per year.
How does the Illinois Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary compare to the national average?
The median special education teachers, secondary school salary in Illinois is $76,960, which is +11% above national average of $69,590.