By: All Education Schools Staff
Updated: February 6, 2026
What could a special education teacher earn in Illinois?
Illinois is generally a good state for special education teachers, and it’s popularity stems from a few important factors, including:
- Demand for special ed teachers:
- Illinois has a strong demand for special education teachers, especially in urban areas like Chicago and rural districts where there are shortages. This demand often leads to job security and competitive salaries.
- Competitive salaries:
- Illinois offers higher-than-average salaries for special education teachers compared to many states. According to recent data, special education teachers in Illinois can earn between $50,000 and $80,000, depending on experience, location and education level.
- Teacher shortage and incentives:
- Illinois has been experiencing teacher shortages, especially in special education. This has led to financial incentives, such as scholarships, loan forgiveness programs and signing bonuses for teachers in high-need areas.
- Solid education programs:
- Illinois has well-regarded special education programs at universities like the University of Illinois, Illinois State University and DePaul University, which attract students and educators. The state also has strong support networks and advocacy groups for special education professionals.
- Special education laws and funding:
- Illinois has relatively strong funding for special education services, ensuring better resources and support for teachers. The state mandates individualized support for students, making it a critical area for employment.
Quick view of special education teachers in Illinois
There are 12,560 kindergarten and elementary school special education teachers in Illinois says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)—and another 3,400 teaching special ed at the middle school level. Around 9,000 teach at the secondary education level in Illinois. The BLS said that Illinois is the fourth highest employer of special ed teachers at the kindergarten and elementary grade levels in the U.S. The forecasted job growth for the coming decade at a national level is -1.8% though O*NET, a subsidiary of the BLS, said that Illinois would see positive job growth—around 3%—through 2030.
These employers represent a range of opportunities within Illinois for special education professionals, spanning higher education institutions, specialized academies, public school districts and virtual education providers:
- Loyola University, Chicago:
- A higher education institution in Chicago, Loyola University employs special education professionals, including roles such as assistant professors in teacher education.
- Connect Academy, Lombard:
- Located in Lombard, Connect Academy is an educational institution that hires early childhood special education teachers to work with preschool-age children with diverse learning exceptionalities.
- Community Consolidated School District 64, Niles:
- Serving the Niles area, this public school district hires special education coordinators to oversee and support special education programs within the district.
- The Menta Education Group, LaSalle:
- The Menta Education Group offers virtual positions for special education teachers, providing flexible opportunities to support students with special needs remotely.
Special education teacher salary stats for Illinois
Your salary as a special education teacher in Illinois depends upon several factors such as where you work and live, with Chicago being a prime example of higher salaries due to a higher cost of living. The demand for special education teachers, type of employer and your education, qualifications and experience also impact your pay level. Going forward we’ll use BLS data for special ed teachers in kindergarten and elementary schools and secondary schools as our reference.
Median special education teacher salary in Illinois
In Illinois, kindergarten and elementary special ed teachers earned a median annual salary of $76,170, while secondary level special ed teachers earned $76,960. These are significant increases over the national median of $63,000 and $69,590 respectively, though Illinois does not rank in the top five paying states in the U.S., according to the BLS.
Median salaries for kindergarten and elementary level special ed teachers in Illinois and its main metro areas are below:
10%$48,830
25%$60,160
50%$76,170Median
75%$94,270
90%$100,620
Median Hourly WageN/A
Job growth-1.8%
Total Employment12,550
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $76,740 | $51,100 | $100,620 |
| Springfield, IL | $65,220 | $48,640 | $80,800 |
| Decatur, IL | $63,220 | $42,850 | $75,270 |
| Bloomington, IL | $62,100 | $49,530 | $103,550 |
| Rockford, IL | $61,040 | $45,480 | $88,240 |
| Kankakee, IL | $60,760 | $47,140 | $80,820 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $59,980 | $47,790 | $77,260 |
| Peoria, IL | $59,450 | $46,290 | $77,990 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Median salaries for Illinois-based special ed teachers at the secondary school level are:
10%$48,250
25%$61,230
50%$76,960Median
75%$101,100
90%$124,560
Median Hourly WageN/A
Job growth-1.6%
Total Employment8,890
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $80,840 | $57,980 | $125,900 |
| Rockford, IL | $75,150 | $44,270 | $95,000 |
| Springfield, IL | $64,170 | $47,820 | $105,020 |
| Bloomington, IL | $62,680 | $46,190 | $100,220 |
| Peoria, IL | $61,100 | $42,940 | $100,820 |
| Decatur, IL | $60,890 | $46,490 | $77,950 |
| Kankakee, IL | $60,730 | $42,680 | $76,140 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $60,180 | $45,670 | $90,710 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Comparing salaries for different special ed teacher education levels
What level of students you teach may make a difference in your salary. The BLS reported salaries for Illinois special education teachers at the following grade levels:
| Education level taught | Median annual salary from the BLS |
|---|---|
| Preschool | $60,420 |
| Kindergarten and elementary school | $76,170 |
| Middle school | $71,790 |
| Secondary school | $76,960 |
| All other special ed teachers | $61,360 |
Salary ranges for special education teachers in Illinois
The salary range for kindergarten and elementary level special education teachers in Illinois typically spans from $48,830 to $100,620 per year. This accounts for entry-level teaching positions to more experienced teachers or administrative roles, and takes into consideration other factors such as education attained and certifications earned.
Pay by metro area for Illinois special education teachers
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within Illinois and cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. As noted earlier, Illinois ranks fourth as a state for highest employment of special ed teachers at the kindergarten and elementary school level, with the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area taking the number two spot in the country for employment. Here’s what the BLS reported as the top 10 highest paying metro areas for kindergarten and elementary school special ed teachers in the U.S.:
Job growth and outlook for Illinois
The job outlook for special education teachers in Illinois is more stable and positive compared to the national trend, which is projected to decline slightly through 2034, said the BLS. Illinois is seeing continued demand due to funding reforms, teacher shortages and student population needs. Several other key factors contribute to Illinois’ relatively better outlook:
State and local funding commitments
- Illinois has been increasing education funding, especially in low-income districts, which supports special education programs.
- The state’s Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) model helps distribute more money to underfunded schools, benefiting special education staffing.
Shortage of special education teachers
- Illinois, like many states, faces a chronic shortage of qualified special education teachers, leading to higher demand for new hires.
- Districts offer incentives such as signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement and licensure support to attract teachers.
Legislative and policy factors
- Illinois mandates lower teacher-student ratios in special education classrooms than some states, requiring more teachers per student.
- Special education teacher licensing in Illinois is flexible, allowing paraprofessionals and general education teachers to transition into the field, increasing hiring opportunities.
Urban and rural needs
- Cities like Chicago have a high demand for special education teachers, particularly for bilingual students and students with severe disabilities.
- Rural districts in downstate Illinois struggle to attract teachers, prompting higher pay, relocation assistance and loan forgiveness programs to fill vacancies.
Expanding special education programs
- Growing emphasis on inclusive education has led to more special education positions across general education settings.
- Specialized therapeutic and alternative schools such as The Menta Group and Easterseals Academy, are expanding, increasing job opportunities.
The BLS reported the top metro areas for the employment of special ed teachers at the kindergarten and elementary school level in the U.S. as:
Factors affecting salaries in Illinois
A special education teacher’s salary in Illinois depends on several key factors, including:
- School district and location:
- Salaries vary significantly by school district, with urban areas like Chicago generally paying higher than rural districts due to cost of living differences and funding availability.
- Education attained and credentials:
- Higher degrees such as a master’s or doctorate and additional certifications (like endorsements in autism, behavior intervention or English as a Second Language) can lead to higher salaries.
- Experience:
- Most school districts follow a salary schedule where teachers earn more with each year of experience.
- Unionization:
- Many special education teachers in Illinois are members of the Illinois Education Association (IEA) or the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), which negotiate salary scales, benefits, and working conditions.
- Employer:
- Special education teachers work in public schools, private schools, specialized therapeutic schools and nonprofit educational organizations. Public school teachers generally have higher salaries and stronger benefits due to state funding and union protections.
- Funding and grants:
- Some positions (especially those in specialized or high-need areas) receive additional state or federal funding, which may result in higher pay or bonuses.
Special education teachers in Illinois, particularly in Chicago and other urban areas, may benefit from a variety of specialized skills beyond general teaching abilities. These skills help them effectively support diverse student populations and navigate specific state and district policies.
- Serving bilingual students–Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has a high population of English Language Learners (ELLs), including many students with disabilities. An ESL or Bilingual Education Endorsement, especially Spanish, Polish and Arabic, may be useful.
- Behavior management and crisis intervention–Many special education students have behavioral and emotional needs, requiring structured interventions. Additional training such as CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) training, which teaches de-escalation techniques, or PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports), which helps implement behavior plans, may be beneficial.
- Understanding of Illinois Special Education Laws and IEP process–Illinois has strict Individualized Education Program (IEP) regulations, and teachers must ensure legal compliance.
- Autism and developmental disabilities expertise–There’s a rising demand for teachers with experience in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities. LBS1 Endorsement (Learning Behavior Specialist I) is required for most special education positions and the Autism Endorsement from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) may be helpful.
Teachers unions and how they work for Illinois teachers
Teachers’ unions in Illinois, such as the Illinois Education Association (IEA) and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), advocate for special education teachers by negotiating salary, benefits, working conditions and class sizes through collective bargaining agreements. They also push for lower student-teacher ratios, increased funding for special education programs and better training and resources. Unions provide legal support for teachers facing disputes related to IEPs, compliance issues or student discipline. While most public school teachers (K-12) are unionized, private schools and some charter schools may not offer union representation. Higher education special education faculty at universities may have separate unions, depending on the institution.
Education pathway for Illinois special ed teachers
Earn a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field
- Must be from an Illinois-approved educator preparation program with a focus on special education.
- Common majors: Special Education, Elementary Education with Special Education endorsement or Secondary Education with Special Education focus.
Obtain a professional educator license (PEL) with an LBS1 endorsement
- The Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) Endorsement is required to teach special education in Illinois.
- It qualifies teachers for K-12 special education roles, including working with students with learning disabilities, autism and behavioral disorders.
Pass required Illinois licensure exams
- Content test: LBS1 (Learning Behavior Specialist 1) Exam.
- edTPA (Teacher Performance Assessment): Required for new teachers.
- Basic skills requirement (SAT/ACT or alternative exam): May be required depending on preparation program.
Complete a student teaching experience
- Must be in a special education classroom under the supervision of a licensed special education teacher.
Apply for licensure through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
- Submit transcripts, test scores and proof of program completion.
Best level of education for special education teachers in Illinois
- Master’s degree advantage: While a bachelor’s degree qualifies you for a teaching license, having a master’s degree in special education may lead to higher pay and more job opportunities, especially in administrative or specialized intervention roles.
- Endorsements matter: Special education teachers with additional endorsements, such as autism spectrum disorders or behavioral intervention, are often in higher demand.
- Early childhood and severe disabilities: Teachers certified in early childhood special education or those specializing in severe disabilities are especially needed, making those fields strong career choices.
Cost of living considerations for Illinois
Illinois has a moderate cost of living compared to other U.S. states, ranking near the national average. Housing costs vary widely, with Chicago and its suburbs being significantly more expensive, while cities like Rockford, Peoria and Springfield offer more affordable living. According to LivingCost.org, Illinois’ overall cost of living is lower than many coastal states like California and New York but higher than Southern and Midwestern states such as Indiana or Missouri. Taxes in Illinois are a major factor, as the state has one of the highest property tax rates in the country, increasing the cost of homeownership. However, transportation, healthcare and groceries remain relatively affordable in many areas. Some high employment of special ed teachers in Illinois with high and low costs of living include:
Higher cost of living
Chicago:
As the state’s largest city, Chicago offers abundant employment opportunities across various sectors. However, it has a cost of living approximately 14% higher than the national average.
Naperville:
Located near Chicago, Naperville boasts a strong job market, particularly in education and healthcare. The cost of living here is also higher, reflecting its affluent status.
More affordable cost of living
Peoria:
Peoria maintains a robust job market, particularly in healthcare and manufacturing sectors. The cost of living here is relatively lower, offering a more affordable lifestyle.
Rockford:
Rockford provides substantial employment opportunities, especially in manufacturing and aerospace industries. Notably, the city offers more affordable housing options compared to Chicago, making it an attractive choice for many.
Professional groups for Illinois special education teachers
Here are three professional associations in Illinois that cater to the needs of special education teachers:
- Illinois Council for Exceptional Children (Illinois CEC):
- A state division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), this organization provides professional development, advocacy and networking for special education teachers, focusing on policies, instructional strategies and student support.
- Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT)–Special Education Division:
- A statewide teachers’ union that advocates for special education policy improvements, fair wages and classroom resources for special education teachers. It provides legal support, training and bargaining power in school districts.
- Illinois Association of School Social Workers (IASSW):
- While primarily for school social workers, IASSW collaborates closely with special education teachers by providing resources on behavioral interventions, mental health support and inclusive education strategies.
Find comprehensive salary guides for special education teachers in these states: California | Georgia | Hawaii | Illinois | Texas
This special education teacher salary guide for the state of Illinois aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the teaching profession in the state. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
