Special Education Teachers, Middle School: Salary ($66,810 median) and Career Outlook 2025
Special education teachers in middle school earned a median annual salary of $66,810 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The average salary was higher at $73,780—roughly $32 per hour. Pay typically ranges from $49,420 at the 10th percentile to $102,510 at the 90th percentile. About 95,200 professionals worked in this occupation nationwide.
How much Special Education Teachers, Middle School earn
Median pay for middle school special ed teachers sits at $66,810 annually. The mean hourly wage is $35.47. The middle 50 percent earn between $49,420 and $102,510, so experience, location, and district funding drive wide differences.
Salaries can be considerably higher in certain states. California tops the list with an average of $101,530, followed by Washington ($99,520) and Rhode Island ($93,970). New York ($93,820) and Connecticut ($92,900) round out the top five.
Pay by state
Geography matters a lot. The highest-paying state for middle school special education teachers is California, averaging $101,530. Washington ($99,520), Rhode Island ($93,970), New York ($93,820), and Connecticut ($92,900) follow.
The lowest-paying states are Mississippi ($50,750), Oklahoma ($50,450), and Missouri ($50,370).
How to become Special Education Teachers, Middle School
To become a middle school special education teacher, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field, plus state licensure. Most programs include student teaching experience.
Steps: Earn a bachelor's degree in special education or a content area with a special ed endorsement. Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. Pass required exams (e.g., Praxis). Apply for a state teaching license. Some states require a master's degree within a few years of initial licensure.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in special education or related field.
- Complete a teacher preparation program with student teaching.
- Pass state licensing exams (e.g., Praxis).
- Apply for a state teaching license or certification.
- Check if your state requires a master's degree for continued certification.
Job outlook
Employment for middle school special education teachers is projected to decline by 1.9 percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS. That translates to about 6,300 openings per year, mostly from workers leaving the occupation. Slower enrollment growth in middle schools and budget pressures contribute to the decline. Still, demand for specialized instruction remains steady in many districts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for a middle school special education teacher?
The median annual salary is $66,810 as of 2024, according to the BLS.
Which states pay the most for this role?
California leads at $101,530, followed by Washington ($99,520) and Rhode Island ($93,970).
What is the job growth forecast?
Employment is expected to decline by 1.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 6,300 job openings per year.
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, Middle School data.