Creative & Education Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Special Education Teacher Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median special education teacher salary in Boston, MA is $95,699 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$95,699
vs State Avg
+$10,703
vs National
+$32,739
Cost of Living
152%

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

Boston offers a median special education teacher salary of $95,699, which is $10,703 above the Massachusetts state average of $84,996. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $95,699 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for special education teachers in Boston spans from $63,840 at the 10th percentile to $145,920 at the 90th percentile — a $82,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,880, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,800. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $66,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,880
+$22,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,280
+$33,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,800
+$46,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $63,840
25th Percentile $76,000
Median (50th) $95,699
75th Percentile $118,560
90th Percentile $145,920

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$100,736
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$69,256
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$66,108
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$61,701
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Boston

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Boston

Browse open special education teacher positions in Boston, MA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Boston

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $95,699 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $63,840 (10th percentile) to $145,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $95,699, a special education teacher in Boston earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Boston's median special education teacher salary of $95,699 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $84,996. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $95,699 in Boston 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 Boston? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Boston 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.