Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Missouri
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Missouri earn a median of $57,260 a year, based on BLS data for 2,860 workers.
Pay ranges from $43,880 for the lowest-paid 10% to $83,330 for the top 10%. That is 12% lower than the national median of $65,120. Missouri ranks 45th of 51 states for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school pay. There are 0.97 special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.58). The average (mean) salary is $59,660, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Missouri
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $43,880 |
| 25th percentile | $46,480 |
| Median | $57,260 |
| 75th percentile | $70,770 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $83,330 |
| Average (mean) | $59,660 |
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 | $4,771.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,385.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,202.31 |
| Weekly | $1,101.15 |
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 $57,260 salary, see how much house you can afford in Missouri at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in cities in Missouri
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $63,190 | 1,380 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $59,970 | 1,550 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $51,490 | 40 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $49,210 | 100 |
| Springfield, MO | $48,970 | 180 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $46,230 | 50 |
| Columbia, MO | $46,120 | 80 |
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.
Related jobs in Missouri
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in Missouri
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 Missouri?
The median salary for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Missouri is $57,260 a year. Pay ranges from $43,880 for the lowest-paid 10% to $83,330 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school make in Missouri?
The top 10% of special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Missouri earn at least $83,330 a year. The top 25% earn $70,770 or more.
What is the starting pay for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Missouri?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $43,880 a year, and a quarter of special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school earn $46,480 or less.
How many special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school work in Missouri?
About 2,860 special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school are employed in Missouri, not counting the self-employed.