Creative & Education Phoenix, AZ Pop. 1,608,139

Special Education Teacher Salary in Phoenix, Arizona

The median special education teacher salary in Phoenix, AZ is $62,960 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 3.1% above the Arizona state average.

City Median
$62,960
vs State Avg
+$1,889
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Phoenix offers a median special education teacher salary of $62,960, which is $1,889 above the Arizona state average of $61,071. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Phoenix pays above average for this role.

Phoenix's cost of living is 100% 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 Phoenix spans from $42,000 at the 10th percentile to $96,000 at the 90th percentile — a $54,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,000. As a major metro area with a population of 1,608,139, Phoenix typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Phoenix by Experience

In Phoenix, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

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

Salary Percentiles in Phoenix, AZ

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

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Arizona Cities

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Phoenix

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Phoenix 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 Phoenix may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Phoenix

Browse open special education teacher positions in Phoenix, AZ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Phoenix

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Phoenix, AZ? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Phoenix, Arizona is $62,960 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $42,000 (10th percentile) to $96,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Phoenix? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,960, a special education teacher in Phoenix earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Phoenix compare to the Arizona state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Phoenix's median special education teacher salary of $62,960 is 3.1% above the Arizona state average of $61,071. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Phoenix, AZ? ▼
Phoenix has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $62,960 in Phoenix 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 Phoenix? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Phoenix 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.