📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Special Education Teachers Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$102,638
per year
Median
$98,860
per year
Hourly
$49.35
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$71,907
25th Percentile — Junior$87,635
50th Percentile — Median$98,860
75th Percentile — Senior$123,023
90th Percentile — Top Earners$134,886
💡 Top-earning Special Education Teacherss in California make up to $134,886 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$92.1k
2021
$94.1k
2022
$96.2k
2023
$98.3k
2024
$100.4k
2025
$102.6k
2026
📈 Special Education Teachers salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.2% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Special Education Teachers Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $159,089 +55.0% High
San Diego $151,904 +48.0% High
San Jose $176,537 +72.0% High
San Francisco $189,880 +85.0% High
Fresno $110,849 +8.0% High
Sacramento $125,218 +22.0% High
Long Beach $148,825 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $110,849 +8.0% High
Anaheim $145,746 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $143,693 +40.0% High
Riverside $131,377 +28.0% High
Stockton $121,113 +18.0% High
Irvine $159,089 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $121,113 +18.0% High
Modesto $114,955 +12.0% High
Fontana $125,218 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $118,034 +15.0% High
Glendale $151,904 +48.0% High
Fremont $164,221 +60.0% High
🔍
Special Education Teachers Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Special Education Teacherss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $102,638 per year, California's Special Education Teachers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $71,907–$87,635, while experienced Special Education Teacherss can command $123,023–$134,886.

Looking ahead, the Special Education Teachers profession in California is projected to grow at 2.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Special Education Teachers salary in California is $102,638 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $72,280.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Special Education Teacherss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Special Education Teachers employment.
  • At $102,638/year, California Special Education Teachers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $72,280/year.