Creative & Education Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Special Education Teacher Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median special education teacher salary in Arlington, VA is $83,107 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$83,107
vs State Avg
+$17,629
vs National
+$20,147
Cost of Living
132%

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

Arlington offers a median special education teacher salary of $83,107, which is $17,629 above the Virginia state average of $65,478. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $83,107 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for special education teachers in Arlington spans from $55,440 at the 10th percentile to $126,720 at the 90th percentile — a $71,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,080, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,800. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $58,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,080
+$14,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,480
+$20,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,800
+$28,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $55,440
25th Percentile $66,000
Median (50th) $83,107
75th Percentile $102,960
90th Percentile $126,720

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Arlington

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Arlington

Browse open special education teacher positions in Arlington, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Arlington

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Arlington, Virginia is $83,107 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $55,440 (10th percentile) to $126,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,107, a special education teacher in Arlington earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Arlington's median special education teacher salary of $83,107 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $65,478. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $83,107 in Arlington 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 Arlington? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Arlington 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.