Skip to content
AffordMap
Education · Illinois

How to Become a Special Education Teachers, Preschool in Illinois

Special Education Teachers, Preschools in Illinois earn a median salary of $62,580/year, which is 3% below the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~5.0%. After taxes and rent, a special education teachers, preschool takes home approximately $2,703/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$63K
Median salary in Illinois
-3%
vs. national average
5.0%
State income tax
1,080
Employed in Illinois

What a special education teachers, preschool can afford in Illinois

Gross annual salary$62,580
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.0% state tax)$4,102/mo
Median 2BR rent (Illinois)-$1,399/mo
Rent as % of take-home34.1% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$62,580/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,703/mo

Becoming a special education teachers, preschool in Illinois

1

Meet education requirements

Special Education Teachers, Preschool positions in Illinois typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many special education teachers, preschool positions in Illinois require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Illinois licensure or certification

Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for special education teachers, preschools. Requirements vary by state, contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Illinois

Illinois employs 1,080 special education teachers, preschools. The highest concentrations are in Rockford and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin.

Special Education Teachers, Preschool salary by metro area in Illinois

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Rockford$79K$/hr30
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin$62K$/hr900

Special Education Teachers, Preschool salary range in Illinois

10th percentile (entry)
$42K
25th percentile
$50K
Median (50th)
$63K
75th percentile
$80K
90th percentile (senior)
$100K
View jobs for Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Currently hiring in Illinois
View →
More openings for Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Currently hiring in Illinois
View →
Full special education teachers, preschool salary breakdown in Illinois
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Illinois
After federal + 5.0% state tax
Calculate →
Compare Illinois cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Special Education Teachers, Preschool careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a special education teachers, preschool make in Illinois?

The median special education teachers, preschool salary in Illinois is $62,580 per year ($null/hr). This is 3% below the national median of $64,830. Salaries range from $42,320 to $100,460.

What are the requirements to become a special education teachers, preschool in Illinois?

Special Education Teachers, Preschool positions in Illinois typically require Bachelor's degree. Illinois may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Illinois licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a special education teachers, preschool afford to live in Illinois?

At the median salary of $62,580, a special education teachers, preschool in Illinois would take home approximately $4,102/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,399/month, that's 34.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for special education teachers, preschools in Illinois?

The highest paying metro areas for special education teachers, preschools in Illinois are Rockford ($78,600), Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($61,950). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Illinois have state income tax for special education teachers, preschools?

Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.0%. On a $62,580 salary, this means roughly $3,098/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.