Special Education Teacher Salary in Durham, NC: $59,812 (2026)

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

Durham offers a median special education teacher salary of $59,812, which is $1,889 above the North Carolina state average of $57,923. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% 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 Durham spans from $39,900 at the 10th percentile to $91,200 at the 90th percentile — a $51,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,800, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,500. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $41,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$41,800

$-2,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$60,800

$-3,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$85,500

$-4,500 vs national

Percentile	Durham	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$39,900	$38,640	$42,000
25th Percentile	$47,500	$46,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$59,812	$57,923	$62,960
75th Percentile	$74,100	$71,760	$78,000
90th Percentile	$91,200	$88,320	$96,000

Percentile

Durham

10th Percentile

$39,900

25th Percentile

$47,500

Median (50th)

$59,812

75th Percentile

$74,100

90th Percentile

$91,200

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Durham

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Durham

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Durham, NC? ▼

The median special education teacher salary in Durham, North Carolina is $59,812 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $91,200 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $59,812, a special education teacher in Durham earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for special education teacher pay? ▼

Durham's median special education teacher salary of $59,812 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $57,923. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼

Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $59,812 in Durham 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 Durham? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Durham 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 Durham, North Carolina