How Much Do Special Education Teachers Make? A Comprehensive Guide to Special Education Teacher Salary

Special education teachers are professionals who work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. They provide individualized instruction, support, and accommodations to help these students achieve their academic and personal goals. Special education teachers also collaborate with other educators, parents, and specialists to design and implement effective educational plans for their students.

What is the average salary for special education teachers in the US?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for special education teachers was $62,950 in May 2022. This means that half of the special education teachers earned more than this amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,200, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $99,390.

However, the average salary for special education teachers can vary depending on the source of data and the method of calculation. For example, according to Salary.com, the average special education teacher salary in the US was $62,441 as of January 26, 2024, but the range typically fell between $49,229 and $81,781.

According to Zippia, the average special education teacher salary in the US was $54,290 in 2023, based on an analysis of 23,000 salaries. According to Indeed, the average special education teacher salary in the US was $60,162 per year as of February 9, 2024, based on 23,600 salaries reported by users. According to CareerExplorer, the average special education teacher salary in the US was $53,317 per year, based on data from the BLS and the National Center for Education Statistics.

As you can see, the average special education teacher salary in the US can range from around $50,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the source and the method of calculation. However, these figures are only averages and do not reflect the variations that exist among different special education teachers. Many factors can influence how much a special education teacher makes, such as their level of education, type of school, location, and experience. We will discuss these factors in more detail in the following sections.

How does the level of education affect special education teacher salary?

One of the factors that can affect how much a special education teacher makes is their level of education. Generally speaking, the more education a special education teacher has, the higher their salary potential. This is because higher levels of education can indicate more skills, knowledge, and qualifications, which can make a special education teacher more competitive and valuable in the job market.

According to the BLS, special education teachers in public schools are required to have a bachelor’s degree and a state-issued certification or license. However, some states may require special education teachers to have a master’s degree or a higher level of certification, especially for those who teach students with severe disabilities or who work as specialists or administrators. Teachers in private schools typically need a bachelor’s degree but may not be required to have a state license or certification.

According to PayScale, a website that provides salary information based on user-reported data, the average special education teacher salary in the US by degree level as of February 2024 was as follows:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA), Special Education: $51,000
• Bachelor of Science (BS), Special Education: $52,000
• Master of Arts (MA), Special Education: $57,000
• Master of Education (MEd), Special Education: $58,000
• Master of Science (MS), Special Education: $59,000
• Doctor of Education (EdD), Special Education: $75,000
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Special Education: $77,000

As you can see, the average special education teacher salary in the US increases with higher levels of education, especially at the doctoral level. However, these figures are only averages and do not account for other factors affecting special education teacher salaries, such as the type of school, location, and experience. Moreover, these figures are based on user-reported data, which may not be representative of the entire population of special education teachers.

How does the type of school affect special education teacher salary?

Another factor that can affect how much a special education teacher makes is the type of school they work in. Generally speaking, special education teachers who work in public schools tend to earn more than those who work in private schools. This is because public schools are funded by the government and have more standardized and regulated salary scales, whereas private schools are funded by tuition fees and donations and have more flexibility and discretion in setting their salary levels.

According to the BLS, 85 percent of special education teachers worked in elementary and secondary schools, local, in 2022. The median annual wage for special education teachers in this sector was $63,290 in May 2022. On the other hand, 8 percent of special education teachers worked in elementary and secondary schools, private, in 2022. The median annual wage for special education teachers in this sector was $55,690 in May 2022.

As you can see, the median annual wage for special education teachers in public schools was about $7,600 higher than that for special education teachers in private schools in 2022. However, these figures are only medians and do not reflect the variations that exist among different public and private schools. There may be some private schools that pay more than some public schools, depending on their reputation, resources, and policies. Moreover, these figures do not account for other factors that can affect special education teacher salary, such as the level of education, location, and experience.

How does the location affect special education teacher salary?

Another factor that can affect how much a special education teacher makes is the location where they work. Generally speaking, special education teachers who work in areas with higher costs of living, higher demand for special education teachers, and higher levels of education and income tend to earn more than those who work in areas with lower costs of living, lower demand for special education teachers, and lower levels of education and income. This is because the salary levels of special education teachers are influenced by the economic and social conditions of the local market, as well as the state and federal regulations and funding.

According to the BLS, the top five states with the highest annual mean wage for special education teachers in May 2022 were:

• New York: $86,060
• California: $85,080
• Connecticut: $80,660
• Alaska: $79,640
• Massachusetts: $79,570

On the other hand, the bottom five states with the lowest annual mean wage for special education teachers in May 2022 were:

• Mississippi: $44,390
• Oklahoma: $45,140
• South Dakota: $45,590
• North Dakota: $46,030
• Arkansas: $46,240

As you can see, the annual mean wage for special education teachers in the top five states was about $40,000 higher than that for special education teachers in the bottom five states in 2022. However, these figures are only averages and do not reflect the variations that exist among different areas within each state. Some areas may pay more or less than the state average, depending on their specific characteristics and circumstances. Moreover, these figures do not account for other factors that can affect special education teacher salary, such as the level of education, type of school, and experience.

How does the experience affect special education teacher salary?

Another factor that can affect how much a special education teacher makes is the experience they have. Generally speaking, the more experience a special education teacher has, the higher their salary potential. This is because more experience can indicate more skills, knowledge, and expertise, which can make a special education teacher more effective and respected in their profession.

According to PayScale, the average special education teacher salary in the US by years of experience as of February 2024 was as follows:

• Less than 1 year: $43,000
• 1-4 years: $47,000
• 5-9 years: $52,000
• 10-19 years: $58,000
• 20 years or more: $64,000

As you can see, the average special education teacher salary in the US increases with more years of experience, especially after 10 years. However, these figures are only averages and do not account for other factors that can affect special education teacher salary, such as the level of education, type of school, and location. Moreover, these figures are based on user-reported data, which may not be representative of the entire population of special education teachers.

Therefore, if you are considering working as a special education teacher for a long time, you should also consider the opportunities and challenges of doing so. For example, you should evaluate the potential growth and development of your career, the satisfaction and fulfillment of your work, and the balance and harmony of your personal and professional life.

Special Education Teacher for 2024-2025 School Year
New Story Schools – Stafford, VA – Permanent – Full-time
Rivermont School in Stafford, VA is seeking a qualified Special Education Teacher to join our team. Special Education Teachers play an integral role in the success of our students. The position provides academic instruction and mentors students in a team environment, under the supervision of the Principal, Asst. Principal, and BCBA/BCaBA. Special Education Teachers are responsible for overseeing the classroom team, including the dynamics and functioning of all staff within their classroom to fulfill the individual curriculum and self-care needs of the students. Candidates seeking Provisional Licensure must meet all requirements and be willing to complete the required VDOE coursework within 90 school days to become provisionally licensed….

Special Education Teacher Associate
WorkSource – Fort Madison, IA – Permanent – Full-time
The qualified applicant must have a minimum of a high school diploma or grade level equivalent diploma (GED) and meet a rigorous standard of quality and be able to demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment, knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing and mathematics (or, as appropriate, reading readiness, writing readiness and mathematics readiness).

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If you are interested in becoming a special education teacher, you should research the specific requirements and opportunities for special education teachers in your state and area of interest, as they may vary depending on the local demand and supply of special education teachers.