Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Guide 2025
Special education teachers at the kindergarten and elementary level earn a median annual salary of $65,120, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That translates to roughly $31 per hour. The full pay range spans from $49,350 (10th percentile) to $103,010 (90th percentile), meaning top earners make more than double the bottom. These figures reflect May 2023 OEWS estimates.
How much Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School earn
The national mean wage for these teachers is $72,650 per year. The middle 50% earn between about $49,350 and $103,010. Industry matters: those working for local government schools (the largest employer) have a mean of $72,850, while those in elementary and secondary schools (privately operated) average $70,610.
Experience and education also drive pay. A master's degree typically lifts earnings; many districts require one within five years of hire. The BLS reports that 260,870 people hold these jobs nationwide.
- Median: $65,120 | Mean: $72,650 | Hourly: $31
- Typical range: $49,350 (10th) – $103,010 (90th)
- Employment: 260,870
Pay by state
Location strongly affects salaries. The five highest-paying states for special education teachers in this grade band are District of Columbia ($97,910), California ($97,170), Washington ($95,040), Massachusetts ($91,350), and Rhode Island ($84,300).
The lowest are Oklahoma ($50,630), Mississippi ($50,570), and West Virginia ($50,380). That's about half of what DC pays. Cost of living matters, but even adjusted, the gap is wide.
How to become Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School
To enter the field, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field, plus state licensure. Typical steps:
1) Earn a bachelor's degree with an approved teacher preparation program. 2) Complete a student teaching internship. 3) Pass required exams (e.g., Praxis). 4) Apply for a state teaching license. Many states also offer alternative certification for career changers.
- Bachelor's degree required; master's often expected within 5 years
- State licensure with exams and student teaching
- Alternative paths exist for candidates with a degree in another field
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment will decline by 1.8% from 2024 to 2034. That's about a loss of 4,700 jobs. However, roughly 15,400 openings per year are expected from retirements and turnover. Competition may be steep in certain regions, but special education remains a critical need, especially in rural and urban districts.
Frequently asked questions
Is the salary of a special education teacher higher than a general education teacher?
Often yes. At the elementary level, special education teachers may earn slightly more due to additional certification requirements. The BLS reports a median of $65,120 vs. $63,670 for general elementary teachers, though differences vary by district.
What's the fastest way to become a special education teacher?
If you already have a bachelor's degree, alternative certification programs can take 1-2 years. They combine coursework with paid teaching under a provisional license.
Are there jobs for special education teachers outside of public schools?
Yes. Private schools, charter schools, and early intervention programs also hire. Some work as consultants or in clinical settings, though the vast majority are in public school systems.
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, Kindergarten and Elementary School data.