Special Education Teachers, All Other: 2025 Salary, Career Path & Outlook
The median salary for Special Education Teachers, All Other reaches $76,580 per year, with the top 10% earning above $120,080. This category includes special ed teachers who don't fit neatly into the standard preschool, elementary, middle, or high school roles—think teacher consultants, homebound instructors, or specialists working with students aged 3-21 in non-traditional settings. The mean hourly wage works out to about $37.
How much Special Education Teachers, All Other earn
Nationally, the average salary sits at $79,750, but pay varies widely by experience and location. The bottom 10% earn around $48,440, while those at the 90th percentile pull in $120,080. Entry-level positions typically start closer to the lower end, but with a master's degree and several years of experience, you can cross the six-figure mark.
The occupation employs roughly 33,930 people across the United States. Because these teachers often work in specialized roles—like itinerant services or early intervention—salaries can differ significantly even within the same district.
Pay by state
State-by-state differences are stark. California tops the list with a mean wage of $103,050, followed by New Mexico ($86,520), Delaware ($85,040), Oregon ($82,240), and Rhode Island ($80,080). These higher salaries often reflect cost of living adjustments or strong union protections.
On the lower end, West Virginia reports an average of $39,920, Mississippi $46,700, and Vermont $46,980. A teacher in California can earn more than double what a peer in West Virginia makes—a gap driven partly by state education funding and local demand.
How to become Special Education Teachers, All Other
The standard path starts with a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field, followed by state licensure. Most states require a master's degree within a few years of starting. Because this category covers ‘all other’ special ed roles, you may need additional endorsements—for example, in visual impairments, adaptive physical education, or early childhood special education.
Typical steps include: completing a teacher preparation program, passing required exams (such as the Praxis), and obtaining state certification. Many employers prefer candidates with at least two years of classroom experience. Background checks are mandatory, and some roles require a driver’s license if travel between schools is involved.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in special education or a closely related field.
- Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program (often part of a master's degree).
- Pass state licensing exams (e.g., Praxis Special Education).
- Obtain state certification; some roles require additional endorsements.
- Gain classroom experience through student teaching or an internship.
- Maintain certification with continuing education credits.
Job outlook
Employment for Special Education Teachers, All Other is projected to grow by 1.1% from 2024 to 2034—slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 2,900 job openings each year, mostly due to workers retiring or moving to other roles. Demand will persist because schools must provide special education services under federal law, but budget constraints and changing enrollment patterns may temper hiring.
Frequently asked questions
What does the 'all other' category mean for special ed teachers?
It covers special education teachers who don't work primarily in preschool, elementary, middle, or high school classrooms. Examples include itinerant teachers who travel between schools, homebound instructors, and specialists in early intervention or vocational adjustment.
Do I need a master's degree for this role?
Most states require a master's degree within a few years of starting, though initial licensure may only need a bachelor's. Check your state's department of education for specifics.
Which states pay the most?
California (mean $103,050), New Mexico ($86,520), Delaware ($85,040), Oregon ($82,240), and Rhode Island ($80,080) are the top five. Salaries are largely tied to cost of living and education funding.
Is the job market growing?
Growth is slow at 1.1% over 2024-2034, but about 2,900 openings per year will arise from retirements and turnover. Job security is generally solid due to legal mandates for special education services.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Special Education Teachers, All Other data.