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Special education assistant teacher salary
Average special education assistant teacher salary
$15.85
Understanding the Salary of Special Education Assistant Teachers
As of October 2025, the average salary for a Special Education Assistant Teacher stands at $32,961 per year. This figure can vary significantly based on geographic location, years of experience, and the specific school district or institution. For instance, states like California and New York often offer higher compensation due to increased living costs and demand for skilled educators.
In addition to geographic factors, years of experience play a crucial role in determining salary levels. Typically, entry-level positions may start around $28,000, while seasoned professionals can earn upwards of $40,000 annually. Furthermore, educational settings such as public schools, private institutions, and special education facilities may provide varying salary scales.
Opportunities for Growth
For those seeking to enhance their earning potential, pursuing additional certifications or degrees can lead to higher-paying roles within the field. Special Education Assistant Teachers can advance to positions such as Lead Teacher or Special Education Coordinator, which often come with increased responsibilities and pay.
Understanding the salary landscape is essential for aspiring professionals in this field. It enables informed career decisions, ultimately leading to better job satisfaction and financial stability.
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Where can a Special Education Assistant Teacher earn more?
Average special education assistant teacher salary by state
The average special education assistant teacher salary in Alaska, Washington, and North Dakota are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average special education assistant teacher salary states are Florida, Louisiana, and Alabama.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for special education assistant teachers
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $46,170 | $22.20 |
| 2 | Oregon | $39,162 | $18.83 |
| 3 | Minnesota | $37,374 | $17.97 |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $36,234 | $17.42 |
| 5 | Michigan | $35,718 | $17.17 |
| 6 | Washington | $40,343 | $19.40 |
| 7 | Wisconsin | $36,322 | $17.46 |
| 8 | New York | $37,907 | $18.22 |
| 9 | New Jersey | $36,125 | $17.37 |
| 10 | North Dakota | $39,640 | $19.06 |
| 11 | Montana | $33,983 | $16.34 |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | $33,334 | $16.03 |
| 13 | Vermont | $35,593 | $17.11 |
| 14 | Kentucky | $32,284 | $15.52 |
| 15 | Ohio | $32,702 | $15.72 |
| 16 | Connecticut | $34,792 | $16.73 |
| 17 | Massachusetts | $36,171 | $17.39 |
| 18 | District of Columbia | $37,525 | $18.04 |
| 19 | Colorado | $33,575 | $16.14 |
| 20 | Utah | $33,383 | $16.05 |
| 21 | Maryland | $34,456 | $16.57 |
| 22 | Iowa | $33,115 | $15.92 |
| 23 | Nevada | $32,694 | $15.72 |
| 24 | Rhode Island | $33,682 | $16.19 |
| 25 | Nebraska | $30,686 | $14.75 |
| 26 | South Dakota | $32,813 | $15.78 |
| 27 | Oklahoma | $30,512 | $14.67 |
| 28 | Wyoming | $30,525 | $14.68 |
| 29 | Georgia | $32,839 | $15.79 |
| 30 | Maine | $32,297 | $15.53 |
| 31 | Indiana | $30,340 | $14.59 |
| 32 | Illinois | $30,505 | $14.67 |
| 33 | Arizona | $30,708 | $14.76 |
| 34 | California | $34,073 | $16.38 |
| 35 | Texas | $31,285 | $15.04 |
| 36 | New Mexico | $29,389 | $14.13 |
| 37 | Delaware | $30,242 | $14.54 |
| 38 | South Carolina | $29,764 | $14.31 |
| 39 | Kansas | $30,259 | $14.55 |
| 40 | Hawaii | $34,866 | $16.76 |
| 41 | Idaho | $30,988 | $14.90 |
| 42 | Mississippi | $30,390 | $14.61 |
| 43 | Virginia | $31,254 | $15.03 |
| 44 | West Virginia | $29,549 | $14.21 |
| 45 | Missouri | $27,634 | $13.29 |
| 46 | North Carolina | $29,337 | $14.10 |
| 47 | Arkansas | $27,995 | $13.46 |
| 48 | Tennessee | $28,183 | $13.55 |
| 49 | Florida | $29,112 | $14.00 |
| 50 | Alabama | $28,207 | $13.56 |
| 51 | Louisiana | $28,207 | $13.56 |
Highest paying cities for special education assistant teachers
The highest-paying cities for special education assistant teachers are Minneapolis, MN, Needham, MA, and Madison, WI.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minneapolis, MN | $37,388 | $17.98 |
| 2 | Needham, MA | $36,192 | $17.40 |
| 3 | Madison, WI | $36,054 | $17.33 |
| 4 | Santa Rosa, CA | $35,452 | $17.04 |
| 5 | New Haven, CT | $34,797 | $16.73 |
| 6 | Towson, MD | $34,626 | $16.65 |
| 7 | New Orleans, LA | $28,125 | $13.52 |
Special education assistant teacher salary details
A special education assistant teacher's salary ranges from $26,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $40,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a special education assistant teacher's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $40,000 | $3,333 | $19 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,000 | $3,000 | $17 |
| Average | $32,961 | $2,747 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,000 | $2,417 | $14 |
| 10th Percentile | $26,000 | $2,167 | $13 |
Highest paying special education assistant teacher jobs
The highest paying types of special education assistant teachers are special education teacher, special educator, and head teacher.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Aide | $29,480 | $2,457 | $14.17 | 106,207 |
| Teacher | $47,989 | $3,999 | $23.07 | 71,918 |
| Head Teacher | $51,715 | $4,310 | $24.86 | 73,756 |
| Education Technician | $41,808 | $3,484 | $20.10 | 34,987 |
| Special Educator | $53,565 | $4,464 | $25.75 | 62,545 |
| Special Education Aide | $31,638 | $2,636 | $15.21 | 95,429 |
How would you rate the starting salaries for special education assistant teachers, 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 assistant teachers now:
Which companies pay special education assistant teachers the most?
Special education assistant teacher salaries at Minneapolis Public Schools and Arrow Child And Family Ministries are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average special education assistant teacher salary at companies like Santa Rosa City Schools and Westwood Elementary School are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minneapolis Public Schools | $33,714 | $16.21 |
| 2 | Arrow Child And Family Ministries | $32,692 | $15.72 |
| 3 | Santa Rosa City Schools | $32,159 | $15.46 |
| 4 | Westwood Elementary School | $31,696 | $15.24 |
| 5 | Cajon Valley Union School District | $29,888 | $14.37 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Special education assistant teacher salary trends
The average special education assistant teacher salary has risen by $6,050 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average special education assistant teacher earned $26,911 annually, but today, they earn $32,961 a year. That works out to a 14% change in pay for special education assistant teachers over the last decade.
Compare special education assistant teacher salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average special education assistant teacher salary over time
Compare special education assistant teacher salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Special education assistant teacher salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $33,000 | $15.85 | +3.4% |
| 2025 | $31,800 | $15.30 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $30,800 | $14.80 | +2.6% |
| 2023 | $30,000 | $14.41 | +3.2% |
| 2022 | $29,000 | $13.94 | +2.0% |
Recently added special education assistant teacher salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Department of Education | Special Education Assistant Teacher (Aide V)/Autism Mentor/Transportation Aide @ PES) | Grantsville, WV | 06/28/2025 | $23,916 |
| Minnesota Service Cooperatives | Administrative Assistant Special Education Alternative Sites Senior | Nore, MN | 06/14/2025 | $48,815 |
| Willmar Public School | Administrative Assistant Special Education Alternative Sites Senior | Willmar, MN | 06/12/2025 | $48,815 |
| Sar Academy & Sar High School | Pisgah Special Education Assistant Teacher | New York, NY | 06/11/2025 | $30,000 |
| Manville School/Baker Center for Children and Families | Extended School Year (ESY) Assistant Teacher, Special Education (Middle/High School) | Boston, MA | 06/09/2025 | $48,000 |
| Judge Baker Children's Center | Assistant Teacher, Special Education School Year) | Boston, MA | 06/07/2025 | $40,000 |
| The Baker Center for Children and Families | Extended School Year (ESY) Assistant Teacher, Special Education (Middle/High School) | Boston, MA | 06/06/2025 | $48,000 |
| Board of Cooperative | Special Education Teaching Assistant/Associate Teacher-District Wide | Fairport, NY | 05/29/2025 | $32,600 |
| American Preparatory Academy | Assistant Special Education Teacher School Year | Draper, UT | 05/11/2025 | $33,392 |
| Sar Academy & Sar High School | Pisgah Special Education Assistant Teacher | New York, NY | 04/30/2025 | $30,000 |
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