Creative & Education Mesa, AZ Pop. 504,258

Special Education Teacher Salary in Mesa, Arizona

The median special education teacher salary in Mesa, AZ is $61,071 per year, which is 3% below the national median and 0.0% above the Arizona state average.

City Median
$61,071
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-1,889
Cost of Living
97%

Special Education Teacher Pay in Mesa: What to Expect (2026)

Mesa offers a median special education teacher salary of $61,071, which is $0 above the Arizona state average of $61,071. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Mesa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Mesa's cost of living is 97% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for special education teachers in Mesa spans from $40,740 at the 10th percentile to $93,120 at the 90th percentile — a $52,380 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,680, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,300. As a major metro area with a population of 504,258, Mesa typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Mesa by Experience

In Mesa, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $42,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,680
$-1,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,080
$-1,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,300
$-2,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Mesa, AZ

Percentile Mesa
10th Percentile $40,740
25th Percentile $48,500
Median (50th) $61,071
75th Percentile $75,660
90th Percentile $93,120

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$70,515
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$64,219
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$62,960
Pop. 1,608,139
Tucson, AZ
$58,553
Pop. 542,629

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Mesa

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Mesa and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

IEP DevelopmentAdaptive TeachingAssessmentBehavioral ManagementCommunicationPatience

Job Outlook

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Mesa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Mesa

Browse open special education teacher positions in Mesa, AZ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Mesa

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Mesa, AZ? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Mesa, Arizona is $61,071 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $40,740 (10th percentile) to $93,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Mesa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,071, a special education teacher in Mesa earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Mesa compare to the Arizona state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Mesa's median special education teacher salary of $61,071 is 0.0% above the Arizona state average of $61,071. The local cost of living index is 97% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Mesa, AZ? ▼
Mesa has a cost of living index of 97% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $61,071 in Mesa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a special education teacher in Mesa? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Mesa require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include IEP Development, Adaptive Teaching, Assessment, Behavioral Management. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.