Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary in Lakeland, FL

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL

Median annual salary $51,420 -18.4% vs national
Median hourly —
10th percentile $49,650
90th percentile $73,270
Employed locally 90
National median $63,000

Compare Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary & buying power

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Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School
in
Lakeland, FL
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $49,650
    25th
    $51,420
    50th (median)
    $51,420
    75th
    $60,380
    90th
    $73,270

    Lakeland economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $63,644 2023 • Census ACS
    Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary vs area income 81% Median Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary is 19% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA $112,850
    Visalia, CA $102,630
    El Centro, CA $100,980
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $99,170
    Fresno, CA $98,550
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $98,050

    Nearby metros — Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Flint, MI $77,250
    Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $70,230
    Jacksonville, FL $69,110
    Florence, SC $63,500
    North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL $61,040
    North Florida nonmetropolitan area $59,800

    Related occupations in Lakeland, FL

    OccupationMedian salary
    Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $62,390
    Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $62,840
    Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $28,030
    Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $50,070
    Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $30,610
    Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $49,740

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School make per hour in Lakeland?

    The median hourly wage for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Lakeland, FL is —, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make — or more per hour.

    Is Lakeland above or below average for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salaries?

    The median Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Lakeland, FL is 18.4% below the national median of $63,000. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Lakeland?

    Entry-level Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School (10th percentile) earn around $49,650 per year in Lakeland, FL. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $51,420.