Special Education Teacher Salary in 2026
Special education teachers work with students who have learning disabilities, emotional disorders, or physical disabilities. They develop individualized education programs and adapt teaching methods.
Median Salary
$63,000
$5,250/mo
Entry Level
$44,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$79,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
Special Education Teacher Overview
Special education teachers work with students who have learning disabilities, emotional disorders, or physical disabilities. They develop individualized education programs and adapt teaching methods.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Education
Total Jobs (US)
475K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Education
Hourly Rate
$30.29/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,250
Special Education Teacher Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Special Education Teacher salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Special Education Teacher Salary
$67,000
$5,583/month · $2,577/biweekly · $32.21/hr
Special Education Teacher Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Special Education Teacher field.
Entry-level Special Education Teachers earn around $44,000, while the top 10% earn $89,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Special Education Teachers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $74,000 | +$11,000 |
| New York | $72,000 | +$9,000 |
| New Jersey | $69,000 | +$6,000 |
| Illinois | $66,000 | +$3,000 |
| Texas | $62,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Special Education Teachers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $74,000 | +$11,000 |
| Los Angeles | $71,000 | +$8,000 |
| Newark | $68,000 | +$5,000 |
| Chicago | $66,000 | +$3,000 |
| Houston | $62,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Special Education Teacher Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Special Education Teacher from entry level to expert.
$44,000
0-2 years
$62,000
3-7 years
$79,000
8-14 years
$99,000
15+ years
Related Education Jobs
Special Education Teacher Salary FAQ
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