Special Education Teacher Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania$61,200 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Special Education Teacher Salary in Philadelphia

Entry Level
$39,015
Median
$61,200
Senior Level
$87,975

Special Education Teacher salaries in Philadelphia are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

IEP DevelopmentDifferentiated InstructionBehavior ManagementCommunicationPatience

Special Education Teacher Job Market in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA is a major regional employment hub for Special Education Teacher professionals. With a population of 1.6 million, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. The city's strong Healthcare and Education sectors create robust demand for Special Education Teacher talent. The market for Special Education Teacher positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Special Education Teachers in Philadelphia

PennTempleDrexelVillanova

Major employers hiring Special Education Teachers in Philadelphia include Penn, Temple, Drexel, Villanova. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Special Education Teachers in Philadelphia

Living in Philadelphia as a Special Education Teacher means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. At median Special Education Teacher salary, rent would consume about 37% of gross income - above the recommended 30% threshold. Consider roommates or suburban options. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Special Education Teacher in Philadelphia

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute time is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey. Subway lines are efficient for Center City commutes.

Best neighborhoods for Special Education Teachers in Philadelphia: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Special Education Teacher professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Special Education Teachers

The job outlook for Special Education Teachers in Philadelphia is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Philadelphia's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include IEP Development, Differentiated Instruction, Behavior Management, Communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Special Education Teacher salary in Philadelphia, PA?

The average Special Education Teacher salary in Philadelphia, PA is $61,200 per year. Entry-level Special Education Teachers typically start around $39,015, while experienced professionals can earn $87,975 or more. The national average for Special Education Teacher roles is $60,000.

How many Special Education Teacher jobs are available in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a strong job market with regular openings for Special Education Teacher professionals. Major employers hiring Special Education Teachers include Penn, Temple, Drexel, Villanova. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Philadelphia a good city for Special Education Teachers?

Philadelphia is an very good choice for Special Education Teachers. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for education professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Special Education Teachers in Philadelphia?

Top skills for Special Education Teachers in Philadelphia include IEP Development, Differentiated Instruction, Behavior Management, Communication, Patience. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Special Education Teachers in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Special Education Teachers in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey.

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