Special Education Teacher Salary
Real, self-reported pay data from Special Education Teachers across the US — 315 submissions and counting.
Special Education Teacher Salaries
| Date ↓ | State | Position | Salary | Education | Exp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1mo ago | California | Support Staff / Para | $40,372 | Bachelor's | 2yr |
| 1mo ago | California | Elementary | $67,000 | Master's | 1yr |
| 1mo ago | Texas | Specialist | $65,000 | Bachelor's | 5yr |
| 1mo ago | Illinois | High School | $111,000 | Master's | 18yr |
| 1mo ago | Missouri | High School | $62,500 | Bachelor's | 3yr |
| 1mo ago | New York | High School | $127,619 | Master's | 11yr |
| 1mo ago | Georgia | High School | $83,000 | Master's | 24yr |
| 1mo ago | Illinois | High School | $140,000 | Master's | 21yr |
| 1mo ago | New Jersey | High School | $62,500 | Master's | 4yr |
| 1mo ago | Louisiana | Elementary | $60,000 | Bachelor's | 0yr |
| 1mo ago | California | High School | $110,000 | Master's | 22yr |
| 1mo ago | California | High School | $120,000 | Master's | 19yr |
| 1mo ago | Texas | High School | $73,000 | Master's | 9yr |
| 1mo ago | Florida | High School | $59,000 | Bachelor's | 30yr |
| 1mo ago | Washington | Elementary | $90,000 | Master's | 2yr |
| 1mo ago | New Mexico | Elementary | $67,000 | Bachelor's | 4yr |
| 1mo ago | New Mexico | Middle School | $68,000 | Bachelor's | 14yr |
| 1mo ago | Washington | Elementary | $75,000 | Bachelor's | 1yr |
| 1mo ago | California | High School | $119,000 | Master's | 19yr |
| 1mo ago | North Dakota | High School | $56,000 | Master's | 19yr |
| 1mo ago | South Carolina | High School | $50,000 | Bachelor's | 1yr |
| 1mo ago | Mississippi | Specialist | $56,000 | Master's | 15yr |
| 1mo ago | California | High School | $97,000 | Bachelor's | 19yr |
| 1mo ago | Florida | Elementary | $42,000 | Bachelor's | 17yr |
| 1mo ago | New York | Elementary | $60,000 | Bachelor's | 0yr |
People Also Ask
How much does a Special Education Teacher make?+
Based on self-reported salaries on TeacherSalary.org, the average Special Education Teacher salary in the US is $76,466. Pay varies significantly by state, district, and years of experience.
What state pays Special Education Teachers the most?+
Among states with reported data, California has the most Special Education Teacher submissions. California, Washington, and New York typically offer the highest teacher salaries nationally.
What degree do you need to be a Special Education Teacher?+
Most public school Special Education Teacher positions require at minimum a bachelor's degree plus a state teaching license. Many districts pay higher on the salary schedule for a master's degree or additional graduate credits.
Is Special Education Teacher a good career?+
Teaching offers strong job stability, summers off, and defined-benefit pension plans in most states. Salary has historically lagged other degree-requiring professions, but benefits, schedule, and job security make it attractive for many. Use this database to compare pay in specific states and districts before accepting a position.
What is the starting salary for a Special Education Teacher?+
Starting salaries for Special Education Teachers vary widely — from around $35,000 in some Southern states to over $60,000 in California, New York, and Washington. A teacher with a bachelor's degree and no experience typically starts at the bottom of the district's salary schedule.
Do Special Education Teachers get a pension?+
Most public school Special Education Teachers are enrolled in their state's defined-benefit pension system. Pension vesting typically requires 5–10 years of service. Teachers at private or charter schools may not be covered by the state pension.
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