Special Education Teachers earn $67,170 median salary — here's what you need to know in 2025
The median Special Education Teacher in the U.S. earns $67,170 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's about $32 an hour, and the typical range runs from $49,230 at the 10th percentile to $105,020 at the 90th. With 583,430 people employed in the field, it's a sizable and specialized profession.
How much Special Education Teachers earn
The median annual wage for Special Education Teachers is $67,170, with a mean wage of $74,730. Hourly, that works out to roughly $32. But pay varies widely: the lowest 10% earn below $49,230, while the top 10% bring in more than $105,020. Experience, location, and school district budgets drive those differences.
- Median salary: $67,170
- Mean salary: $74,730 ($32/hour)
- 10th percentile: $49,230
- 90th percentile: $105,020
- Employment: 583,430
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. The highest-paying state for Special Education Teachers is New York, with an annual mean wage of $92,890. Other top states include California ($91,890), Massachusetts ($89,330), and Connecticut ($85,880). On the lower end, Mississippi pays a mean of $53,620, and West Virginia follows at $55,810. The District of Columbia also pays well at $86,640. These figures come from the BLS 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
How to become Special Education Teacher
To become a Special Education Teacher, you typically need a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field, plus a state-issued teaching license. Licensing usually requires completing an accredited teacher preparation program, passing a basic skills test and a subject-area exam in special education, and a background check.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in special education (or a related field with a teacher prep program).
- Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program (often part of the degree).
- Pass the required Praxis exams (typically Praxis Core and Special Education content test).
- Apply for a state teaching license in special education.
- Some states require a master's degree within a few years of starting teaching.
Job outlook
The BLS does not provide a specific growth projection for Special Education Teachers in the 2024–2034 period. However, as a public school role, demand is tied to student enrollment and legal mandates for individualized education programs. Historically, the occupation has grown about as fast as average across all occupations, with replacement needs creating steady opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Special Education Teachers make an hour?
The mean hourly wage is roughly $32, based on the mean annual wage of $74,730. Median hourly would be close to $32.30 ($67,170 / 2080 hours).
What education do you need to be a Special Education Teacher?
You need at least a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field, plus state licensure. Many states also require a master's degree within the first few years.
Is special education teaching a growing field?
The BLS does not project specific growth for 2024–2034, but the occupation historically grows about average due to steady demand for services and replacement of retirees.
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 data.