Special Education Teachers, Preschool salary in Illinois
Special Education Teachers, Preschool in Illinois earn a median of $62,580 a year, based on BLS data for 1,080 workers.
Pay ranges from $42,320 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,460 for the top 10%. That is 3% lower than the national median of $64,830. Illinois ranks 21st of 45 states for special education teachers, preschool pay. There are 0.18 special education teachers, preschool per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $67,490, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special education teachers, preschool in Illinois
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $42,320 |
| 25th percentile | $49,680 |
| Median | $62,580 |
| 75th percentile | $80,360 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $100,460 |
| Average (mean) | $67,490 |
Half of special education teachers, preschool 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 | $5,215 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,607.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,406.92 |
| Weekly | $1,203.46 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because special education teachers, preschool 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 $62,580 salary, see how much house you can afford in Illinois at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Special Education Teachers, Preschool salary in cities in Illinois
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Rockford, IL | $78,600 | 30 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $61,950 | 900 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $50,920 | 400 |
Highest-paying states for special education teachers, preschool
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $99,070 |
| New Jersey | $92,060 |
| Connecticut | $87,960 |
| Washington | $86,580 |
| Maryland | $85,010 |
| Pennsylvania | $83,510 |
| Alaska | $80,390 |
| Vermont | $79,000 |
| Colorado | $78,040 |
| Virginia | $77,570 |
See Special Education Teachers, Preschool pay in every state.
Related jobs in Illinois
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in Illinois
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-2051. 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, preschool make in Illinois?
The median salary for special education teachers, preschool in Illinois is $62,580 a year. Pay ranges from $42,320 for the lowest-paid 10% to $100,460 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special education teachers, preschool make in Illinois?
The top 10% of special education teachers, preschool in Illinois earn at least $100,460 a year. The top 25% earn $80,360 or more.
What is the starting pay for special education teachers, preschool in Illinois?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $42,320 a year, and a quarter of special education teachers, preschool earn $49,680 or less.
How many special education teachers, preschool work in Illinois?
About 1,080 special education teachers, preschool are employed in Illinois, not counting the self-employed.