The Job Market for Special Education Teachers in the United States

Currently, there are approximately 131,900 special education teachers in the U.S., with the job market projected to grow by 7.4% from 2016 to 2026. This growth reflects an ongoing need for qualified educators to support students with diverse learning needs.

Employability of Special Education Teachers

CareerExplorer rates the employability of special education teachers as a C rating, indicating moderate job opportunities in the field. Over the next decade, the U.S. is expected to require an additional 13,300 special education teachers. This figure accounts for 9,700 new positions and the retirement of 3,600 existing teachers.

Demand for Special Education Teachers

While overall student enrollment is anticipated to grow slowly, the number of students needing special education services is increasing. Contributing factors include:

• Medical Advances: More children are surviving serious illnesses and accidents.
• Earlier Diagnoses: Learning disabilities are being identified at younger ages.
• Legislation and Educational Reforms: Increased focus on training and employing individuals with special needs.

Demand for special education teachers is expected to be particularly high in rural areas and inner cities, compared to urban centers. Candidates trained to work with children with multiple disabilities or severe conditions, such as autism, will have a competitive edge. Additionally, a diverse student population will create opportunities for bilingual teachers and those experienced in multicultural environments. The transition of some teachers from special education to general education will also influence job availability.

Supply of Special Education Teachers by State

The concentration of special education teachers varies by state. Below is a breakdown of the number of employed special education teachers in key states:

State Name	Employed Special Education Teachers
New York	16,880
Texas	11,590
California	10,060
Illinois	7,500
Pennsylvania	7,220
Ohio	6,810
New Jersey	6,550
Massachusetts	4,370
North Carolina	4,330
Virginia	4,250
Florida	3,970
Minnesota	3,450
Georgia	3,280
Tennessee	2,860
Missouri	2,690
Louisiana	2,680
Maryland	2,650
Arizona	2,530
Colorado	2,220
Kentucky	2,170
Washington	2,020
Michigan	1,870
Indiana	1,850
Connecticut	1,800
South Carolina	1,420
Iowa	1,320
Oklahoma	1,250
Mississippi	1,180
Arkansas	1,160
Utah	1,090
Wisconsin	1,040
Nebraska	980
New Mexico	970
West Virginia	960
Oregon	880
Maine	860
Kansas	860
New Hampshire	720
Montana	700
Alabama	600
Nevada	590
District of Columbia	580
Vermont	540
South Dakota	480
Rhode Island	400
North Dakota	400
Wyoming	340
Idaho	290
Delaware	270
Alaska	270
Hawaii	180
Puerto Rico	100

Overall, the job market for special education teachers is expected to remain active, with specific regions showing a higher demand for qualified educators.