Special Education Teachers, Secondary School: $74,260 Median Salary & -1.6% Job Decline (2025)
The median salary for secondary school special education teachers is $74,260, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean wage hits $77,260 — about $36 per hour. Most earn between $49,800 (10th percentile) and $109,100 (90th percentile). This is not a field you enter for the money alone; the work is demanding, and the national job outlook is shrinking slightly.
How much Special Education Teachers, Secondary School earn
Pay varies widely by location, experience, and school district. Nationwide, the median sits at $74,260. The bottom 10% earn under $50,000, while the top 10% clear $109,000.
Teachers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications (e.g., autism, behavioral disorders) generally land on the higher end. Master's degrees are common and often required for career advancement.
Pay by state
Location is the biggest factor in pay. Washington tops the list at $101,120, followed closely by California ($101,060) and D.C. ($99,670). Maryland ($93,530) and Rhode Island ($92,990) round out the top five.
At the other end, West Virginia ($55,390), South Dakota ($54,810), and Mississippi ($51,970) pay the least. A teacher in Washington earns nearly twice what a counterpart in Mississippi makes.
How to become Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
All states require at least a bachelor's degree and a state-issued teaching license or certification in special education. Most programs include student teaching experience.
Typical steps: earn a bachelor's in special education or a related field (often a degree in education with a special education focus), complete a teacher preparation program, pass state exams (like the Praxis), and apply for a license. Many teachers later pursue a master's degree to increase pay and expertise.
Alternative routes exist: some states offer transitional programs for career changers who already hold a bachelor's in another subject, allowing them to teach while completing certification coursework.
Job outlook
Employment for secondary special education teachers is projected to decline by 1.6% from 2024 to 2034. That's a loss of roughly 2,600 jobs over the decade. However, about 11,100 openings per year will arise from retirements and turnover.
The decline mirrors broader demographic trends: lower birth rates mean fewer students overall. Still, demand for special education services remains steady, and qualified teachers should continue to find work — especially in rural or high-need districts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for secondary special education teachers?
The average (mean) salary is $77,260, with a median of $74,260. Hourly, that's about $36.
What degree do I need to become a secondary special education teacher?
A bachelor's degree in special education or a related field is the minimum. You'll also need state licensure, which typically requires completing an approved teacher prep program and passing exams.
Is the job outlook good for secondary special education teachers?
No — the BLS projects a 1.6% decline from 2024 to 2034, meaning fewer jobs overall. However, about 11,100 openings per year will still exist due to retirements.
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, Secondary School data.