Creative & Education

Special Education Teacher Salary

Special education teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.

Median Salary
$62,960
Mean Salary
$65,400
Total Employed
476,300
Job Growth
+4%

Special Education Teacher Salary by Experience Level

Entry-level special education teachers earn around $44,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $64,000. Senior-level special education teachers can earn $90,000 or more.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,000
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,000

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Salary Percentile Breakdown

The salary range for special education teachers varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $42,000, while the top 10% earn $96,000.

Percentile Annual Salary
10th Percentile $42,000
25th Percentile $50,000
50th Percentile (Median) $62,960
75th Percentile $78,000
90th Percentile $96,000

Special Education Teacher Salary by State

Special Education Teacher salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $107,032, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $52,257.

State Median
#1 Hawaii $107,032 Details →
#2 California $86,885 Details →
#3 Massachusetts $84,996 Details →
#4 Alaska $78,070 Details →
#5 New York $76,811 Details →
#6 New Jersey $72,404 Details →
#7 Washington $72,404 Details →
#8 Connecticut $70,515 Details →
#9 Maryland $69,256 Details →
#10 Oregon $69,256 Details →
#11 Colorado $66,108 Details →
#12 New Hampshire $66,108 Details →
#13 Rhode Island $66,108 Details →
#14 Virginia $65,478 Details →
#15 Delaware $63,590 Details →
#16 Vermont $63,590 Details →
#17 Florida $61,701 Details →
#18 Maine $61,701 Details →
#19 Arizona $61,071 Details →
#20 Minnesota $61,071 Details →
#21 Nevada $61,071 Details →
#22 Utah $61,071 Details →
#23 Pennsylvania $60,442 Details →
#24 Illinois $59,812 Details →
#25 Montana $59,812 Details →
#26 Idaho $59,182 Details →
#27 Georgia $58,553 Details →
#28 New Mexico $58,553 Details →
#29 North Carolina $57,923 Details →
#30 Texas $57,923 Details →
#31 Wisconsin $57,923 Details →
#32 Wyoming $57,923 Details →
#33 Louisiana $57,294 Details →
#34 Indiana $56,664 Details →
#35 Michigan $56,664 Details →
#36 Nebraska $56,664 Details →
#37 North Dakota $56,664 Details →
#38 Ohio $56,664 Details →
#39 Iowa $56,034 Details →
#40 South Carolina $56,034 Details →
#41 Tennessee $56,034 Details →
#42 Missouri $55,405 Details →
#43 South Dakota $55,405 Details →
#44 Alabama $54,775 Details →
#45 Kansas $54,775 Details →
#46 Kentucky $54,775 Details →
#47 Oklahoma $54,146 Details →
#48 Arkansas $52,886 Details →
#49 West Virginia $52,886 Details →
#50 Mississippi $52,257 Details →

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Key Responsibilities

  • ● Develop individualized education programs (IEPs)
  • ● Adapt curriculum for students with disabilities
  • ● Assess student progress and adjust strategies
  • ● Collaborate with parents and support staff
  • ● Manage classroom behavior

Top Skills

IEP Development Adaptive Teaching Assessment Behavioral Management Communication Patience

Education Required

Bachelor's degree

Job Outlook

As fast as average — projected 4% growth over the next decade

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Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education Teacher Salaries

How much does a Special Education Teacher make per year? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in the United States is $62,960 per year. Entry-level positions start around $44,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $90,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $65,400.
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $62,960 per year, a special education teacher earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for special education teachers? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for special education teachers, with a median salary of $107,032. Other top-paying states include California ($86,885) and Massachusetts ($84,996).
What education do you need to become a special education teacher? ▼
Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include IEP Development, Adaptive Teaching, Assessment, Behavioral Management. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for special education teachers? ▼
Employment for special education teachers is projected to grow 4% over the next decade, which is as fast as average. There are currently 476,300 special education teachers employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level special education teacher make? ▼
An entry-level special education teacher with 0-2 years of experience earns around $44,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $64,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $42,000, while the top 10% earn $96,000.