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Verified by MT Board of Education

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Montana

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Montana, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Montana

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Education Liscensure Unit • Office of Public Instruction

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $60,200 median (4% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #30 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Montana eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Education Liscensure Unit~Office of Public Instruction and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Montana

With a median salary of $60,200, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Montana earn 4% below the national median of $63,000. Montana ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,173

Median annual salary

$60,200

Hourly estimate

$28.94
4% below national median

Difference: -$2,800

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$39,100
  • P2525th percentile$46,330
  • P50Median$60,200
  • P7575th percentile$75,820
  • P9090th percentile$81,320

State vs National Median

State: $60,200
National: $63,000

Total employment: 560 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking

#30 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$90,530
#2Washington$85,340
#3Connecticut$81,220
#4New York$80,750
#5Massachusetts$78,820

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Montana$60,200Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$57,820Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
South Dakota$50,380Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wyoming$63,520Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Idaho$62,210Degree requiredState exam required18 years

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Montana78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Idaho54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Education Liscensure Unit • Office of Public Instruction

PO Box 202501, Helena, MT, 59620-2501

Phone: 4064443150

Related Careers in Montana

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$75,710Degree requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$97,620Degree requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$80,590Degree requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$75,540Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Montana?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Montana?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Montana is $60,200. Salaries range from $39,100 (10th percentile) to $81,320 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Montana compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Montana earn 4% below the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $60,200.

How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Montana?

Montana employs approximately 560 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to Montana from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Montana?

The licensing agency is Education Liscensure Unit / Office of Public Instruction. Review agency details at https://opi.mt.gov/.

How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Montana?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.