Creative & Education Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Special Education Teacher Salary in Alaska

The median special education teacher salary in Alaska is $78,070 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $62,960.

Median Salary
$78,070
vs National
+$15,110
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Special Education Teacher Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for special education teacher compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for special education teachers seeking high pay. At $78,070 per year, special education teachers in Alaska earn $15,110 more than the national median of $62,960.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $78,070 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $62,960.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: special education teachers at the 10th percentile earn $52,080, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $119,040 — a $66,960 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $84,996.

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for special education teachers across the country.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $54,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $111,600 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,560
+$10,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,360
+$15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$111,600
+$21,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $52,080
25th Percentile $62,000
Median (50th) $78,070
75th Percentile $96,720
90th Percentile $119,040

Special Education Teacher Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for special education teachers in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Alaska

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Alaska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

IEP DevelopmentAdaptive TeachingAssessmentBehavioral ManagementCommunicationPatience

Job Outlook in Alaska

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Alaska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Alaska

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Alaska? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Alaska is $78,070 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $52,080 (10th percentile) to $119,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,070, a special education teacher in Alaska earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for special education teachers? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for special education teacher pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level special education teachers earn $54,560, while senior professionals earn $111,600.
How does Alaska compare to other states for special education teacher salary? ▼
The highest paying state for special education teachers is Hawaii at $107,032. Alaska's median of $78,070 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($86,885) and Massachusetts ($84,996).
What is the entry-level special education teacher salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level special education teacher in Alaska earns approximately $54,560 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $79,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $111,600.
What city in Alaska pays special education teachers the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for special education teachers, with a median salary of $84,996. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.