Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in Kentucky
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Kentucky earn a median of $60,730 a year, based on BLS data for 2,680 workers.
Pay ranges from $46,610 for the lowest-paid 10% to $79,870 for the top 10%. That is 18% lower than the national median of $74,260. Kentucky ranks 41st of 51 states for special education teachers, secondary school pay. There are 1.3 special education teachers, secondary school per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $60,910, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special education teachers, secondary school in Kentucky
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,610 |
| 25th percentile | $49,070 |
| Median | $60,730 |
| 75th percentile | $66,260 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $79,870 |
| Average (mean) | $60,910 |
Half of special education teachers, secondary 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 | $5,060.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,530.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,335.77 |
| Weekly | $1,167.88 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because special education teachers, secondary 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 $60,730 salary, see how much house you can afford in Kentucky at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in cities in Kentucky
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $64,680 | 1,720 |
| Owensboro, KY | $64,380 | 60 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $62,440 | 270 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $62,290 | 800 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $62,110 | 100 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $60,200 | 90 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $59,410 | 50 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $55,390 | 220 |
Highest-paying states for special education teachers, secondary school
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $101,120 |
| California | $101,060 |
| District of Columbia | $99,670 |
| Maryland | $93,530 |
| Rhode Island | $92,990 |
| New York | $89,310 |
| Massachusetts | $83,890 |
| New Jersey | $83,770 |
| Connecticut | $81,710 |
| Alaska | $80,580 |
See Special Education Teachers, Secondary School pay in every state.
Related jobs in Kentucky
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in Kentucky
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-2058. 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, secondary school make in Kentucky?
The median salary for special education teachers, secondary school in Kentucky is $60,730 a year. Pay ranges from $46,610 for the lowest-paid 10% to $79,870 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special education teachers, secondary school make in Kentucky?
The top 10% of special education teachers, secondary school in Kentucky earn at least $79,870 a year. The top 25% earn $66,260 or more.
What is the starting pay for special education teachers, secondary school in Kentucky?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $46,610 a year, and a quarter of special education teachers, secondary school earn $49,070 or less.
How many special education teachers, secondary school work in Kentucky?
About 2,680 special education teachers, secondary school are employed in Kentucky, not counting the self-employed.