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Education · Tennessee

How to Become a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Tennessee

Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools in Tennessee earn a median salary of $58,580/year, which is 16% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a special education teachers, secondary school takes home approximately $2,680/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$59K
Median salary in Tennessee
-16%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
1,990
Employed in Tennessee

What a special education teachers, secondary school can afford in Tennessee

Gross annual salary$58,580
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$4,092/mo
Median 2BR rent (Tennessee)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home34.5% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$58,580/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,680/mo

Becoming a special education teachers, secondary school in Tennessee

1

Meet education requirements

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

2

Gain required experience

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

3

Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification

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

4

Find positions in Tennessee

Tennessee employs 1,990 special education teachers, secondary schools. The highest concentrations are in Memphis and Chattanooga.

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary by metro area in Tennessee

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Memphis$62K$/hr210
Chattanooga$61K$/hr250
Knoxville$61K$/hr290
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$60K$/hr710
Jackson$60K$/hr70
Kingsport-Bristol$59K$/hr110
Cleveland$57K$/hr30
Johnson City$55K$/hr40
Clarksville$51K$/hr140

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary range in Tennessee

10th percentile (entry)
$47K
25th percentile
$50K
Median (50th)
$59K
75th percentile
$62K
90th percentile (senior)
$70K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a special education teachers, secondary school make in Tennessee?

The median special education teachers, secondary school salary in Tennessee is $58,580 per year ($null/hr). This is 16% below the national median of $69,590. Salaries range from $47,460 to $70,030.

What are the requirements to become a special education teachers, secondary school in Tennessee?

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

Can a special education teachers, secondary school afford to live in Tennessee?

At the median salary of $58,580, a special education teachers, secondary school in Tennessee would take home approximately $4,092/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 34.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for special education teachers, secondary schools in Tennessee?

The highest paying metro areas for special education teachers, secondary schools in Tennessee are Memphis ($61,640), Chattanooga ($61,390), Knoxville ($60,690). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Tennessee have state income tax for special education teachers, secondary schools?

No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means special education teachers, secondary schools keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.