Special Education Teacher Salary in Honolulu, HI: $110,180 (2026)

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

Honolulu offers a median special education teacher salary of $110,180, which is $3,148 above the Hawaii state average of $107,032. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Honolulu pays above average for this role.

However, Honolulu's cost of living index is 175%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $110,180 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for special education teachers in Honolulu spans from $73,500 at the 10th percentile to $168,000 at the 90th percentile — a $94,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,000, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $157,500. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $77,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $157,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$77,000

+$33,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$112,000

+$48,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$157,500

+$67,500 vs national

Percentile	Honolulu	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$73,500	$71,400	$42,000
25th Percentile	$87,500	$85,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$110,180	$107,032	$62,960
75th Percentile	$136,500	$132,600	$78,000
90th Percentile	$168,000	$163,200	$96,000

Percentile

Honolulu

10th Percentile

$73,500

25th Percentile

$87,500

Median (50th)

$110,180

75th Percentile

$136,500

90th Percentile

$168,000

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Honolulu

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Honolulu

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Honolulu, HI? ▼

The median special education teacher salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $110,180 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $73,500 (10th percentile) to $168,000 (90th percentile).

How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Honolulu? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $110,180, a special education teacher in Honolulu earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for special education teacher pay? ▼

Honolulu's median special education teacher salary of $110,180 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $107,032. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Honolulu, HI? ▼

Honolulu has a cost of living index of 175% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $110,180 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a special education teacher in Honolulu? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Honolulu 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.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii