Creative & Education Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Special Education Teacher Salary in Houston, Texas

The median special education teacher salary in Houston, TX is $60,442 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$60,442
vs State Avg
+$2,519
vs National
$-2,518
Cost of Living
96%

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

Houston offers a median special education teacher salary of $60,442, which is $2,519 above the Texas state average of $57,923. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $40,320 at the 10th percentile to $92,160 at the 90th percentile — a $51,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,400. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,240
$-1,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,440
$-2,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,400
$-3,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $40,320
25th Percentile $48,000
Median (50th) $60,442
75th Percentile $74,880
90th Percentile $92,160

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Houston

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Houston

Browse open special education teacher positions in Houston, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Houston

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Houston, Texas is $60,442 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $40,320 (10th percentile) to $92,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,442, a special education teacher in Houston earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Houston's median special education teacher salary of $60,442 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $57,923. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $60,442 in Houston 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 Houston? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Houston 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.