Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $64,640 a year, based on BLS data for 1,330 workers.
Pay ranges from $54,010 for the lowest-paid 10% to $79,360 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $65,120. Pay here is 3% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $62,560. There are 2.2 special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $65,130, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $54,010 |
| 25th percentile | $59,360 |
| Median | $64,640 |
| 75th percentile | $68,500 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $79,360 |
| Average (mean) | $65,130 |
Half of special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,386.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,693.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,486.15 |
| Weekly | $1,243.08 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $64,640 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $65,170 | 1,030 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $63,220 | 580 |
| Johnson City, TN | $62,560 | 80 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $61,680 | 210 |
| Knoxville, TN | $60,390 | 400 |
| Cleveland, TN | $59,220 | 70 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $59,110 | 120 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $58,950 | 50 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $56,230 | 400 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $55,380 | 180 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $54,760 | 60 |
| Jackson, TN | $52,370 | 110 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | $52,290 | 360 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $51,130 | 130 |
| Jackson, MS | $50,770 | 520 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $48,440 | 50 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $47,790 | 140 |
Highest-paying states for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $97,910 |
| California | $97,170 |
| Washington | $95,040 |
| Massachusetts | $91,350 |
| Rhode Island | $84,300 |
| Connecticut | $82,950 |
| New York | $81,260 |
| Alaska | $80,230 |
| Maryland | $78,850 |
| Illinois | $77,960 |
See Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School pay in every state or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-2052. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $64,640 a year. Pay ranges from $54,010 for the lowest-paid 10% to $79,360 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $79,360 a year. The top 25% earn $68,500 or more.
What is the starting pay for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $54,010 a year, and a quarter of special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school earn $59,360 or less.
How many special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 1,330 special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.