Special Education Teachers Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · High Demand
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $112,034 | +55.0% | High |
| District of Columbia | $109,866 | +52.0% | High |
| California | $102,638 | +42.0% | High |
| New York | $99,746 | +38.0% | High |
| Alaska | $95,410 | +32.0% | High |
| Massachusetts | $93,964 | +30.0% | High |
| New Jersey | $92,518 | +28.0% | High |
| Washington | $90,350 | +25.0% | High |
| Connecticut | $88,182 | +22.0% | High |
| Maryland | $83,122 | +15.0% | High |
| Rhode Island | $83,122 | +15.0% | High |
| New Hampshire | $82,399 | +14.0% | High |
| Oregon | $80,954 | +12.0% | High |
| Colorado | $79,508 | +10.0% | High |
| Virginia | $79,508 | +10.0% | High |
| Vermont | $78,062 | +8.0% | High |
| Delaware | $75,894 | +5.0% | High |
| Illinois | $75,894 | +5.0% | High |
| Maine | $73,726 | +2.0% | High |
| Nevada | $73,726 | +2.0% | High |
| Minnesota | $72,280 | +0.0% | High |
| Utah | $72,280 | +0.0% | High |
| Arizona | $71,557 | -1.0% | High |
| Pennsylvania | $71,557 | -1.0% | High |
| Florida | $70,834 | -2.0% | High |
| Montana | $68,666 | -5.0% | High |
| Texas | $68,666 | -5.0% | High |
| Georgia | $67,220 | -7.0% | High |
| Idaho | $67,220 | -7.0% | High |
| Wyoming | $67,220 | -7.0% | High |
| North Dakota | $66,498 | -8.0% | High |
| Wisconsin | $66,498 | -8.0% | High |
| North Carolina | $65,775 | -9.0% | High |
| Michigan | $65,052 | -10.0% | High |
| Louisiana | $63,606 | -12.0% | High |
| Nebraska | $63,606 | -12.0% | High |
| New Mexico | $63,606 | -12.0% | High |
| Ohio | $63,606 | -12.0% | High |
| South Carolina | $63,606 | -12.0% | High |
| Tennessee | $63,606 | -12.0% | High |
| Alabama | $62,884 | -13.0% | High |
| Missouri | $62,884 | -13.0% | High |
| South Dakota | $62,884 | -13.0% | High |
| Iowa | $62,161 | -14.0% | High |
| Indiana | $61,438 | -15.0% | High |
| Kansas | $61,438 | -15.0% | High |
| Oklahoma | $60,715 | -16.0% | High |
| Arkansas | $59,992 | -17.0% | High |
| Kentucky | $59,992 | -17.0% | High |
| Mississippi | $57,824 | -20.0% | High |
| West Virginia | $56,378 | -22.0% | High |
A Special Education Teachers's salary is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, employer type, and educational background. States with higher costs of living — such as California, New York, and Washington — typically offer 20–40% higher salaries than the national average to compensate for living expenses.
Experience plays a major role in compensation. Entry-level Special Education Teacherss typically earn $50,639–$61,715 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $86,636–$94,990 annually. Specialization and advanced certifications can further boost earning potential.
Employer size also matters. Large corporations and government agencies tend to offer more competitive packages including benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. The Special Education Teachers role currently has high demand in the job market with a 2.2% growth rate, making it one of the steadily growing careers in the Education sector.
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What is the average salary for a Special Education Teachers?The average salary for a Special Education Teachers in the United States is $72,280 per year, with a median of $69,620.
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What is the starting salary for a Special Education Teachers?Entry-level Special Education Teacherss typically earn between $50,639 and $61,715 per year depending on location and employer.
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What state pays Special Education Teacherss the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay Special Education Teacherss the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
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How much does a Special Education Teachers make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $72,280, a Special Education Teachers earns approximately $34.75 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
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Is Special Education Teachers a good career in 2026?Yes — the Special Education Teachers role has high demand with 2.2% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.