Creative & Education Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Special Education Teacher Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median special education teacher salary in Reading, PA is $55,405 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$55,405
vs State Avg
$-5,037
vs National
$-7,555
Cost of Living
88%

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

Reading offers a median special education teacher salary of $55,405, which is $5,037 below the Pennsylvania state average of $60,442. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $55,405 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Reading spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $84,480 at the 90th percentile — a $47,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,720, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,200. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $38,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,200
$-10,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $44,000
Median (50th) $55,405
75th Percentile $68,640
90th Percentile $84,480

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$64,219
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$59,182
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$58,553
Pop. 302,971
Erie, PA
$52,886
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Reading

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Reading

Browse open special education teacher positions in Reading, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Reading

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $55,405 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $84,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,405, a special education teacher in Reading earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Reading's median special education teacher salary of $55,405 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $60,442. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $55,405 in Reading 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 Reading? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Reading 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.