Education Nashville · 2026 +4.0% YoY proj.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Nashville

Healthcare HQs (HCA), music, tech relocation. Here's how Special Education Teachers in Nashville get paid in 2026.

$69,700
Median Special Education Teacher salary in Nashville, Q1 2026.
Versus US median ($73,500): -5% · Versus Tennessee state ($66,200): +5%
Range: $53,000 (P25) → $90,600 (P75) → $115,000 (P90).
Pay distribution · 2026
P25
$53,000
MEDIAN
$69,700
P75
$90,600
P90
$115,000
By Tenure

Special Education Teacher Salary by Experience in Nashville

How pay scales with career stage in the Nashville metro market.

ExperienceMedian 202625th %75th %
Entry (0–1 yr)$48,700$37,100$63,400
Junior (2–4 yrs)$60,600$46,100$78,800
Mid-Level (5–9 yrs)$69,700$53,000$90,600
Senior (10–14 yrs)$83,600$63,600$108,700
Veteran (15+ yrs)$94,700$72,000$123,200
Metro Comparison

Special Education Teacher Pay in Other Top US Metros

Highest-paying metros for Special Education Teachers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.

Nashville Pay Map

Highest-Paying Jobs in Nashville

Top occupations by median pay across the Nashville metro economy.

→ See full Nashville salary guide for all 100 jobs

FAQ

Special Education Teacher Salary in Nashville: FAQ

What is the average Special Education Teacher salary in Nashville?

The average Special Education Teacher salary in the Nashville metro is $69,700 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $53,000 to $90,600 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $115,000 or more.

Does Nashville pay more than the rest of Tennessee?

Yes — Nashville pays +5% relative to the Tennessee state median for Special Education Teachers. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.

How does Nashville compare to other US metros for Special Education Teacher pay?

Nashville vs. national: -5%. Nashville pays roughly in line with the national average for Special Education Teachers. Whether that's a 'good' deal depends on local cost of living and your career stage.

What experience level does $69,700 represent?

In Nashville, the median Special Education Teacher salary of $69,700 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Special Education Teachers in Nashville start around $48,700, while seniors (10+ years) reach $83,600 or more.

Personal Audit

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