Special Education Teachers, Preschool Salary in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
The median pay for a special education teachers, preschool in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA is $79,330/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $66K at the entry level to $112K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.67), that's roughly $76,522 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,960/month — about 35.6% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $79K get you in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater?
About special education teachers, preschools
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA
Entry-level special education teachers, preschools (10th percentile) start around $66K. Mid-career wages sit at $79K.Top earners bring in $112K or more - a $46K spread from bottom to top.
Special Education Teachers, Preschool pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $130K | +109% | 4,460 |
| New Jersey | $87K | +39% | 1,830 |
| Massachusetts | $83K | +33% | 680 |
| Washington | $80K | +29% | 880 |
| Georgia | $78K | +26% | 650 |
| Alaska | $77K | +24% | 140 |
| Michigan | $74K | +18% | 300 |
| Vermont | $70K | +13% | 70 |
| Minnesota | $67K | +7% | 1,130 |
| Virginia | $65K | +4% | 580 |
| Rhode Island | $64K | +3% | 210 |
| New Mexico | $64K | +3% | N/A |
| Nebraska | $64K | +3% | 80 |
| Connecticut | $64K | +2% | 340 |
| North Dakota | $63K | +1% | 90 |
Track special education teachers, preschool salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do special education teachers, preschools make in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA?
The median is $79,330 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $66,050, and experienced special education teachers, preschools can clear $112,200. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $79K enough to live in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,350/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,960/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 36.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a special education teachers, preschool salary go in Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater?
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater has a Regional Price Parity of 103.67 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median special education teachers, preschool salary is worth about $76,522 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do special education teachers, preschools get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.