The median annual wage for special education teachers was $56,800 in May 2015.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,410, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $90,260.
Median annual wages for special education teachers in May 2015 were as follows:
Special education teachers, secondary school
$58,500
Special education teachers, middle school
57,280
Special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school
55,810
Special education teachers, preschool
53,990
Special education teachers typically work during school hours. They also use that time to grade papers, update students' records, and prepare lessons. They may meet with parents, students, and other teachers before and after classes.
Many work the traditional 10-month school year and have a 2-month break during the summer. Some teachers may work for summer programs.
Teachers in districts with a year-round schedule typically work 8 weeks in a row then are on break for 1 week. They also have a 5-week midwinter break.
Union Membership
Most special education teachers belonged to a union in 2014.
Special Education Teachers
Median annual wages, May 2015
Special education teachers
$56,800
Preschool, primary, secondary, and special education school teachers
$53,860
Total, all occupations
$36,200
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics