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Special education assistant salary
Average special education assistant salary
$15.46
Average Special Education Assistant Salary
As of October 2025, the average salary for a Special Education Assistant is approximately $32,149 per year, translating to about $15 per hour. This figure can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and the specific educational institution.
Salary by State
In states like California and New York, salaries tend to be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled educators. For example, states with the highest paying positions for special education assistants often offer salaries exceeding $40,000 annually.
Experience Matters
Entry-level positions usually start at lower salaries, around $28,000, while those with more experience can earn upwards of $36,000 or more. This increase reflects the growing demand and the vital role these professionals play in fostering inclusive education.
Job Opportunities
With a growing emphasis on inclusive education, job opportunities for special education assistants are expanding across the country. Many districts are actively seeking qualified candidates, making this a promising career choice.
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Where can a Special Education Assistant earn more?
Special education assistant salary estimates from across the web
Average special education assistant salary by state
The average special education assistant salary in Rhode Island, New York, and Delaware are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average special education assistant salary states are Wyoming, New Mexico, and Louisiana.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for special education assistants
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio | $36,362 | $17.48 |
| 2 | New York | $37,922 | $18.23 |
| 3 | Delaware | $37,786 | $18.17 |
| 4 | Rhode Island | $39,358 | $18.92 |
| 5 | Vermont | $34,449 | $16.56 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $34,878 | $16.77 |
| 7 | District of Columbia | $37,497 | $18.03 |
| 8 | New Hampshire | $32,739 | $15.74 |
| 9 | Alaska | $33,148 | $15.94 |
| 10 | Maine | $33,271 | $16.00 |
| 11 | Minnesota | $33,795 | $16.25 |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | $31,213 | $15.01 |
| 13 | Oklahoma | $31,532 | $15.16 |
| 14 | North Dakota | $32,641 | $15.69 |
| 15 | Massachusetts | $35,704 | $17.17 |
| 16 | Oregon | $32,518 | $15.63 |
| 17 | Wisconsin | $31,325 | $15.06 |
| 18 | Tennessee | $32,659 | $15.70 |
| 19 | West Virginia | $32,393 | $15.57 |
| 20 | Hawaii | $36,356 | $17.48 |
| 21 | California | $34,672 | $16.67 |
| 22 | Washington | $32,297 | $15.53 |
| 23 | Indiana | $30,383 | $14.61 |
| 24 | Montana | $28,939 | $13.91 |
| 25 | Arizona | $28,952 | $13.92 |
| 26 | Michigan | $28,480 | $13.69 |
| 27 | Nevada | $29,570 | $14.22 |
| 28 | Virginia | $32,877 | $15.81 |
| 29 | Iowa | $30,359 | $14.60 |
| 30 | Colorado | $30,106 | $14.47 |
| 31 | Nebraska | $28,075 | $13.50 |
| 32 | Missouri | $28,333 | $13.62 |
| 33 | Kentucky | $27,121 | $13.04 |
| 34 | Mississippi | $30,373 | $14.60 |
| 35 | New Jersey | $29,846 | $14.35 |
| 36 | South Dakota | $28,959 | $13.92 |
| 37 | North Carolina | $29,596 | $14.23 |
| 38 | Wyoming | $25,760 | $12.38 |
| 39 | Utah | $27,752 | $13.34 |
| 40 | Illinois | $27,431 | $13.19 |
| 41 | Maryland | $28,562 | $13.73 |
| 42 | South Carolina | $26,825 | $12.90 |
| 43 | Idaho | $26,965 | $12.96 |
| 44 | New Mexico | $25,575 | $12.30 |
| 45 | Texas | $26,376 | $12.68 |
| 46 | Alabama | $26,294 | $12.64 |
| 47 | Arkansas | $24,277 | $11.67 |
| 48 | Kansas | $24,756 | $11.90 |
| 49 | Florida | $26,502 | $12.74 |
| 50 | Louisiana | $25,416 | $12.22 |
| 51 | Georgia | $24,798 | $11.92 |
Highest paying cities for special education assistants
The highest-paying cities for special education assistants are New York, NY, Washington, DC, and Richmond, CA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY | $37,962 | $18.25 |
| 2 | Washington, DC | $37,512 | $18.03 |
| 3 | Richmond, CA | $35,727 | $17.18 |
| 4 | Malden, MA | $35,688 | $17.16 |
| 5 | Roseville, MN | $33,849 | $16.27 |
| 6 | Clarksville, TN | $33,014 | $15.87 |
| 7 | Hillsboro, OR | $32,506 | $15.63 |
| 8 | Denver, CO | $30,163 | $14.50 |
| 9 | Hamilton, NJ | $29,720 | $14.29 |
| 10 | Peoria, AZ | $29,066 | $13.97 |
| 11 | Billings, MT | $28,849 | $13.87 |
| 12 | Columbia, MD | $28,604 | $13.75 |
| 13 | Holland, MI | $28,093 | $13.51 |
| 14 | Palatine, IL | $27,571 | $13.26 |
| 15 | Columbia, SC | $26,940 | $12.95 |
| 16 | Lakeside, FL | $26,705 | $12.84 |
| 17 | Alamogordo, NM | $25,653 | $12.33 |
Special education assistant salary details
A special education assistant's salary ranges from $25,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $40,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a special education assistant's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $40,000 | $3,333 | $19 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,000 | $3,000 | $17 |
| Average | $32,149 | $2,679 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,000 | $2,333 | $13 |
| 10th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 | $12 |
Highest paying special education assistant jobs
The highest paying types of special education assistants are special education teacher, special educator, and special education teacher for grades.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Aide | $30,993 | $2,583 | $14.90 | 60,846 |
| Early Childhood Special Educator | $36,798 | $3,067 | $17.69 | 62,487 |
| Education Paraprofessional | $31,158 | $2,596 | $14.98 | 53,164 |
| Education Technician | $41,808 | $3,484 | $20.10 | 34,987 |
| Educational Aid | $29,988 | $2,499 | $14.42 | 71,043 |
| Special Educator | $53,565 | $4,464 | $25.75 | 62,545 |
How would you rate the starting salaries for special education assistants, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Patricia Rogan Ph.D.
Professor, Special Education/Urban Teacher Education, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Top companies hiring special education assistants now:
Which companies pay special education assistants the most?
Special education assistant salaries at Benicia Unified School District and Central Valley School District are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average special education assistant salary at companies like New York State Restaurant Association and PSEA are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Benicia Unified School District | $41,308 | $19.86 |
| 2 | Central Valley School District | $41,119 | $19.77 |
| 3 | New York State Restaurant Association | $40,345 | $19.40 |
| 4 | PSEA | $39,088 | $18.79 |
| 5 | Robbinsdale Area Schools | $38,382 | $18.45 |
| 6 | Minnesota State Fair | $38,129 | $18.33 |
| 7 | New York State School Boards Association | $36,593 | $17.59 |
| 8 | Washington Elementary School District | $36,082 | $17.35 |
| 9 | Worthington Schools | $35,984 | $17.30 |
| 10 | Peoria Unified School District | $35,792 | $17.21 |
| 11 | Hillsboro School District | $35,750 | $17.19 |
| 12 | Naperville School District 203 | $35,341 | $16.99 |
| 13 | West Contra Costa Unified School District | $35,153 | $16.90 |
| 14 | KIPP SoCal Public Schools | $34,799 | $16.73 |
| 15 | Seton Catholic School | $34,665 | $16.67 |
| 16 | Camino Nuevo Charter Academy | $34,170 | $16.43 |
| 17 | Minneapolis Public Schools | $34,159 | $16.42 |
| 18 | Cleveland High School | $34,020 | $16.36 |
| 19 | Sycamore School | $33,993 | $16.34 |
| 20 | Brooklyn Center Community Schools | $33,871 | $16.28 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Special education assistant salary trends
The average special education assistant salary has risen by $5,901 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average special education assistant earned $26,248 annually, but today, they earn $32,149 a year. That works out to a 14% change in pay for special education assistants over the last decade.
Compare special education assistant salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average special education assistant salary over time
Compare special education assistant salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Special education assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $32,100 | $15.46 | +3.4% |
| 2025 | $31,000 | $14.93 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $30,000 | $14.43 | +2.6% |
| 2023 | $29,200 | $14.05 | +3.2% |
| 2022 | $28,300 | $13.60 | +2.0% |
Recently added special education assistant salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scio Sd 95 | Special Education Assistant at Scio Middle School at Scio School District 95C | Ione, OR | 06/30/2025 | $30,679 |
| Amergis | Support Assistant-Special Education | Alexandria, VA | 06/30/2025 | $43,044 |
| Hutchinson Public Schools | Summer Kindergarten Connection Special Education Assistants | Nore, MN | 06/28/2025 | $38,651 |
| North Allegheny School District | Special Education Assistant, II-C | Kane, PA | 06/28/2025 | $39,173 |
| Canton City School District | Special Education Assistant (Cross CAT) | Canton, OH | 06/27/2025 | $37,649 |
| Westlake City Schools | Special Education Bus Assistant | Enon, OH | 06/27/2025 | $35,896 |
| Millcreek Township School District | Special Educational Assistant-Emotional Support | Erie, PA | 06/27/2025 | $41,594 |
| AHRC New York City Foundation | Ahrc Middle/Hs Special Education School AGE Teacher Assistant | New York, NY | 06/27/2025 | $40,548 |
| Ohio Department of Education | Special Education Assistant-Fairborn High School | Dayton, OH | 06/26/2025 | $37,608 |
| Minneapolis Public School District | Special Education Assistant) [Pohi) Edison High | Minneapolis, MN | 06/26/2025 | $55,034 |
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