Creative & Education Raleigh, NC Pop. 467,665

Special Education Teacher Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina

The median special education teacher salary in Raleigh, NC is $61,701 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$61,701
vs State Avg
+$3,778
vs National
$-1,259
Cost of Living
98%

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

Raleigh offers a median special education teacher salary of $61,701, which is $3,778 above the North Carolina state average of $57,923. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Raleigh's cost of living is 98% 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 Raleigh spans from $41,160 at the 10th percentile to $94,080 at the 90th percentile — a $52,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,120, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,200. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Raleigh by Experience

In Raleigh, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $43,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,120
$-880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,720
$-1,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,200
$-1,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC

Percentile Raleigh
10th Percentile $41,160
25th Percentile $49,000
Median (50th) $61,701
75th Percentile $76,440
90th Percentile $94,080

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$61,701
Pop. 874,579
Durham, NC
$59,812
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$55,405
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$54,146
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Raleigh

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Raleigh

Browse open special education teacher positions in Raleigh, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Raleigh

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Raleigh, NC? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Raleigh, North Carolina is $61,701 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $41,160 (10th percentile) to $94,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Raleigh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,701, a special education teacher in Raleigh earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Raleigh compare to the North Carolina state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Raleigh's median special education teacher salary of $61,701 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $57,923. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Raleigh, NC? ▼
Raleigh has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $61,701 in Raleigh 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 Raleigh? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Raleigh 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.