Special Education Teacher Salary in Tacoma, WA: $69,256 (2026)

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

Tacoma offers a median special education teacher salary of $69,256, which is $3,148 below the Washington state average of $72,404. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $46,200 at the 10th percentile to $105,600 at the 90th percentile — a $59,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,400, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $99,000. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $48,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$48,400

+$4,400 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$70,400

+$6,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$99,000

+$9,000 vs national

Percentile	Tacoma	WA State	National
10th Percentile	$46,200	$48,300	$42,000
25th Percentile	$55,000	$57,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$69,256	$72,404	$62,960
75th Percentile	$85,800	$89,700	$78,000
90th Percentile	$105,600	$110,400	$96,000

Percentile

Tacoma

10th Percentile

$46,200

25th Percentile

$55,000

Median (50th)

$69,256

75th Percentile

$85,800

90th Percentile

$105,600

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Tacoma

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Tacoma, WA? ▼

The median special education teacher salary in Tacoma, Washington is $69,256 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $46,200 (10th percentile) to $105,600 (90th percentile).

How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Tacoma? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $69,256, a special education teacher in Tacoma earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for special education teacher pay? ▼

Tacoma's median special education teacher salary of $69,256 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $72,404. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼

Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $69,256 in Tacoma 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 Tacoma? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Tacoma 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.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Tacoma, Washington