Creative & Education Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Special Education Teacher Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median special education teacher salary in Cambridge, MA is $100,736 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$100,736
vs State Avg
+$15,740
vs National
+$37,776
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median special education teacher salary of $100,736, which is $15,740 above the Massachusetts state average of $84,996. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $100,736 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for special education teachers in Cambridge spans from $67,200 at the 10th percentile to $153,600 at the 90th percentile — a $86,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,400, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $144,000. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $70,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,400
+$26,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$102,400
+$38,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,000
+$54,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $67,200
25th Percentile $80,000
Median (50th) $100,736
75th Percentile $124,800
90th Percentile $153,600

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Cambridge

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open special education teacher positions in Cambridge, MA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $100,736 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $67,200 (10th percentile) to $153,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,736, a special education teacher in Cambridge earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Cambridge's median special education teacher salary of $100,736 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $84,996. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $100,736 in Cambridge 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 Cambridge? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Cambridge 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.