Special Education Teacher Salary in Paterson, NJ: $66,108 (2026)

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

Paterson offers a median special education teacher salary of $66,108, which is $6,296 below the New Jersey state average of $72,404. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% 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 Paterson spans from $44,100 at the 10th percentile to $100,800 at the 90th percentile — a $56,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,200, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $94,500. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$46,200

+$2,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$67,200

+$3,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$94,500

+$4,500 vs national

Percentile	Paterson	NJ State	National
10th Percentile	$44,100	$48,300	$42,000
25th Percentile	$52,500	$57,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$66,108	$72,404	$62,960
75th Percentile	$81,900	$89,700	$78,000
90th Percentile	$100,800	$110,400	$96,000

Percentile

Paterson

10th Percentile

$44,100

25th Percentile

$52,500

Median (50th)

$66,108

75th Percentile

$81,900

90th Percentile

$100,800

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Paterson

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Paterson

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Paterson, NJ? ▼

The median special education teacher salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $66,108 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $44,100 (10th percentile) to $100,800 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $66,108, a special education teacher in Paterson earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for special education teacher pay? ▼

Paterson's median special education teacher salary of $66,108 is 8.7% below the New Jersey state average of $72,404. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼

Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $66,108 in Paterson 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 Paterson? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Paterson 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 Paterson, New Jersey