Special Education Teacher Salary Overview
The average salary for a special education teacher in the United States is approximately $54,000 per year, equating to an average hourly wage of around $25.96. Salaries typically range from $24,000 at the entry level to $85,000 for top earners. This figure is about 18% below the national average for all occupations, according to 2023 data.
| Salary Level | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom 20% | $11.54 | $24,000 |
| Median | $25.96 | $54,000 |
| Top 20% | $40.87 | $85,000 |
Special Education Teacher Earnings by Seniority
Earnings can vary significantly based on experience:
| Percentile | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $40.87 | $85,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $33.17 | $69,000 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $25.96 | $54,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $19.23 | $40,000 |
| 10th Percentile | $11.54 | $24,000 |
Special Education Teacher Salary by State
Salaries for special education teachers vary significantly by state. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $83,650 |
| Oregon | $79,600 |
| New York | $77,400 |
| Connecticut | $77,350 |
| Alaska | $76,220 |
| Rhode Island | $75,350 |
| Massachusetts | $74,110 |
| New Jersey | $73,820 |
| District of Columbia | $71,550 |
| Maryland | $69,510 |
| Washington | $66,440 |
| Michigan | $63,700 |
| Delaware | $63,360 |
| New Hampshire | $62,110 |
| Minnesota | $61,920 |
| Vermont | $61,780 |
| Wyoming | $59,790 |
| Nevada | $59,050 |
| Ohio | $58,990 |
| Nebraska | $58,820 |
| Texas | $57,960 |
| Virginia | $57,770 |
| Iowa | $57,730 |
| Georgia | $57,670 |
| North Dakota | $56,720 |
| Florida | $55,080 |
| South Carolina | $54,610 |
| Kansas | $54,050 |
| New Mexico | $53,670 |
| Illinois | $53,640 |
| Tennessee | $52,780 |
| Colorado | $52,700 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,515 |
| Wisconsin | $52,440 |
| Louisiana | $51,750 |
| Maine | $51,480 |
| Idaho | $51,180 |
| Arkansas | $50,880 |
| Hawaii | $50,400 |
| Montana | $49,550 |
| Alabama | $48,970 |
| North Carolina | $48,070 |
| Mississippi | $47,670 |
| Indiana | $46,043 |
| Missouri | $45,420 |
| Kentucky | $45,016 |
| West Virginia | $44,500 |
| Oklahoma | $43,560 |
| South Dakota | $42,410 |
| Arizona | $41,954 |
| Utah | $41,080 |
| Puerto Rico | $30,350 |
Comparison with Similar Careers
Special education teachers earn about 6% less than other similar careers:
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Distance Learning Coordinator | $79,000 |
| Educational Administrator | $65,000 |
| Professor | $52,000 |
| Special Education Teacher | $54,000 |
| Librarian | $55,000 |
| Career Counselor | $48,000 |
| High School Teacher | $47,000 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $40,000 |
Conclusion
Special education teaching is a rewarding profession that plays a crucial role in supporting students with disabilities. While salaries vary by experience and location, this field offers a stable income and opportunities for growth, particularly for those advancing into senior roles.
Information provided by CareerOnlines, LLC and other sources.
Sections of this page includes information from the O*NET 29.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
CareerOnlines, LLC has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.