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Special Education Teacher Salary in Adelaide

Education

Special education teachers work with students who have learning disabilities or special needs.

Average Salary
$81,000
per year
Take-Home Pay
$64,292
after tax (no HECS)
Salary Range
$63-108k
$81K
$63K$108K

Job Market Outlook

Low AI Risk

Physical or high-touch work with limited AI automation potential

In Demand

More jobs than qualified candidates in Australia

+15% growth

Strong projected employment growth over 5 years

Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List

Special Education Teacher Take-Home Pay Breakdown in Adelaide

Based on the average Special Education Teacher salary of $81,000 in Adelaide, here's what you can expect to take home after tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation.

ComponentWithout HECSWith HECS
Gross Salary$81,000$81,000
Income Tax-$15,088-$15,088
Medicare Levy (2%)-$1,620-$1,620
HELP/HECS Repayment$0-$2,430
Superannuation (11%)+$8,910+$8,910
Annual Take-Home$64,292$61,862
Monthly Take-Home$5,358$5,155
Fortnightly Take-Home$2,473$2,379

Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay

Enter your actual salary to see a personalized breakdown including your specific tax situation, HECS debt, and family status.

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Your salary
$81,000
Take-home$64,292
Tax-$15,088
Super+$8,910

How to Become a Special Education Teacher

Everything you need to know about breaking into a career as a Special Education Teacher in South Australia.

Qualifications Required

Essential Requirements
  • Bachelor of Education with special education specialization, or
  • Teaching degree plus Graduate Diploma in Special Education
  • Teacher registration in your state/territory
  • Working with Children Check
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master of Special Education
  • Experience with specific disabilities (ASD, intellectual disability)
  • Behavior support training
Relevant Certifications
Auslan certification (for deaf education)Positive Behavior Support certificationAssistive technology training

Career Progression

Salary Growth Trajectory
$69KEntry$81KMid$93KSenior$109KLead
Entry Level

Graduate Special Ed Teacher

$68,850
estimated in Adelaide
0-3 years
Mid Level

Special Education Teacher

$81,000
estimated in Adelaide
3-8 years
Senior Level

Senior Teacher / Coordinator

$93,150
estimated in Adelaide
8-15 years
Leadership

Special Ed Principal / Director

$109,350
estimated in Adelaide
15+ years

Skills in Demand

Autism spectrum supportPositive behavior supportAssistive technologyIndividualized program developmentMulti-disciplinary collaboration

Tips for Breaking In

  1. 1There is strong demand for special education teachers
  2. 2Government schools often have better pay scales
  3. 3Develop expertise in high-need areas like autism
  4. 4Consider working in specialist schools for experience
  5. 5NDIS has created opportunities outside traditional schools

Career information is general guidance based on industry standards. Requirements may vary by employer and location.

Special Education Teacher Hourly Rate in Adelaide

Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):

Entry Level
$32/hr
Average
$41/hr
Senior
$55/hr

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Special Education Teacher earn in Adelaide?

The average Special Education Teacher salary in Adelaide is $81,000 per year, or approximately $41 per hour. Salaries range from $63,000 to $108,000 depending on experience.

What is the take-home pay for a Special Education Teacher in Adelaide?

A Special Education Teacher earning $81,000 in Adelaide takes home approximately $64,292 per year after tax, or $5,358 per month. With a HECS debt, take-home drops to $61,862 per year.

How much do Special Education Teachers make per hour in Adelaide?

Special Education Teachers in Adelaide earn approximately $41 per hour on average, based on a 38-hour work week. Entry-level rates start around $32/hour, while senior professionals can earn up to $55/hour.

Is Adelaide a good place to work as a Special Education Teacher?

Adelaide offers Special Education Teacher salaries around average in Australia at $81,000. The city has a cost of living index of 82 (Sydney = 100), meaning living costs are lower than Sydney.

About Special Education Teacher Salaries in Adelaide

The average Special Education Teacher in Adelaide, South Australia earns $81,000 per year, or approximately $41 per hour. Salaries typically range from $63,000 for entry-level positions to $108,000 for senior roles with extensive experience.

After income tax, Medicare levy, and other deductions, a Special Education Teacher earning the average salary in Adelaide can expect to take home approximately $64,292 per year, or $5,358 per month.

Adelaide is home to approximately 1.4 million people and has a cost of living index of 82 (where Sydney = 100). This means living costs in Adelaide are lower Sydney.

Key Factors Affecting Special Education Teacher Salaries

  • Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $63,000, while senior roles can reach $108,000.
  • Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Special Education Teacher roles.
  • Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
  • Location: Adelaide's cost of living influences salary expectations.
  • Hourly Rate: Based on a 38-hour week, Special Education Teachers earn $$32-$55 per hour.

Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.