Creative & Education Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Special Education Teacher Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median special education teacher salary in Bellevue, WA is $95,699 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 32.2% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$95,699
vs State Avg
+$23,295
vs National
+$32,739
Cost of Living
152%

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

Bellevue offers a median special education teacher salary of $95,699, which is $23,295 above the Washington state average of $72,404. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $95,699 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for special education teachers in Bellevue spans from $63,840 at the 10th percentile to $145,920 at the 90th percentile — a $82,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,880, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,800. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $66,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,880
+$22,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,280
+$33,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,800
+$46,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $63,840
25th Percentile $76,000
Median (50th) $95,699
75th Percentile $118,560
90th Percentile $145,920

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Bellevue

Education

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

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open special education teacher positions in Bellevue, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Bellevue, Washington is $95,699 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $63,840 (10th percentile) to $145,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $95,699, a special education teacher in Bellevue earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Bellevue's median special education teacher salary of $95,699 is 32.2% above the Washington state average of $72,404. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $95,699 in Bellevue 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 Bellevue? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Bellevue 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.