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Special education instructional assistant salary
Average special education instructional assistant salary
$15.4
Understanding the Salary of Special Education Instructional Assistants
As of October 2025, the average salary for a Special Education Instructional Assistant is $32,025 per year, translating to roughly $15 per hour. This salary can vary based on several factors, including geographical location, years of experience, and the type of educational institution. For example, those working in urban areas may receive higher pay than their rural counterparts.
In addition to location, experience plays a significant role in salary determination. Entry-level positions may offer salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while those with several years of experience or specialized training can earn significantly more. In fact, the highest-paying states for this role include California, New York, and Massachusetts, where average salaries can surpass $40,000 annually.
Moreover, job opportunities in this field continue to grow, driven by the increasing demand for qualified professionals to support students with special needs. By staying informed about salary trends and job openings, prospective candidates can better navigate their career paths in special education.
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Where can a Special Education Instructional Assistant earn more?
Special education instructional assistant salary estimates from across the web
Average special education instructional assistant salary by state
The highest-paying states for special education instructional assistants are Hawaii, Washington, and Indiana. The lowest average special education instructional assistant salary states are Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for special education instructional assistants
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $34,727 | $16.70 |
| 2 | Indiana | $35,000 | $16.83 |
| 3 | Vermont | $32,408 | $15.58 |
| 4 | Washington | $36,152 | $17.38 |
| 5 | Nebraska | $31,476 | $15.13 |
| 6 | Nevada | $31,078 | $14.94 |
| 7 | North Dakota | $33,193 | $15.96 |
| 8 | Oregon | $33,244 | $15.98 |
| 9 | Connecticut | $31,991 | $15.38 |
| 10 | New Jersey | $34,195 | $16.44 |
| 11 | Illinois | $32,032 | $15.40 |
| 12 | Wisconsin | $32,172 | $15.47 |
| 13 | Idaho | $31,736 | $15.26 |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | $30,976 | $14.89 |
| 15 | Minnesota | $32,401 | $15.58 |
| 16 | Ohio | $31,205 | $15.00 |
| 17 | New Hampshire | $31,000 | $14.90 |
| 18 | Massachusetts | $34,443 | $16.56 |
| 19 | Hawaii | $37,801 | $18.17 |
| 20 | District of Columbia | $33,968 | $16.33 |
| 21 | Rhode Island | $31,500 | $15.14 |
| 22 | Michigan | $29,602 | $14.23 |
| 23 | Montana | $29,802 | $14.33 |
| 24 | New Mexico | $30,520 | $14.67 |
| 25 | New York | $31,965 | $15.37 |
| 26 | California | $33,418 | $16.07 |
| 27 | Arizona | $28,266 | $13.59 |
| 28 | Maine | $29,561 | $14.21 |
| 29 | South Dakota | $29,309 | $14.09 |
| 30 | Wyoming | $27,400 | $13.17 |
| 31 | Missouri | $28,373 | $13.64 |
| 32 | Delaware | $28,600 | $13.75 |
| 33 | Utah | $28,836 | $13.86 |
| 34 | Kansas | $28,203 | $13.56 |
| 35 | Kentucky | $26,596 | $12.79 |
| 36 | Iowa | $28,362 | $13.64 |
| 37 | Colorado | $27,980 | $13.45 |
| 38 | Maryland | $28,888 | $13.89 |
| 39 | West Virginia | $27,198 | $13.08 |
| 40 | Arkansas | $26,510 | $12.75 |
| 41 | Oklahoma | $25,610 | $12.31 |
| 42 | Mississippi | $26,489 | $12.74 |
| 43 | Texas | $27,334 | $13.14 |
| 44 | Virginia | $27,555 | $13.25 |
| 45 | North Carolina | $26,342 | $12.66 |
| 46 | South Carolina | $25,485 | $12.25 |
| 47 | Tennessee | $25,055 | $12.05 |
| 48 | Georgia | $25,948 | $12.47 |
| 49 | Florida | $23,102 | $11.11 |
| 50 | Louisiana | $24,484 | $11.77 |
| 51 | Alabama | $24,584 | $11.82 |
Highest paying cities for special education instructional assistants
The highest-paying cities for special education instructional assistants are Redwood City, CA, Cheshire, CT, and Frederick, MD.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Redwood City, CA | $34,464 | $16.57 |
| 2 | Cheshire, CT | $31,983 | $15.38 |
| 3 | Frederick, MD | $28,899 | $13.89 |
| 4 | Peoria, AZ | $28,388 | $13.65 |
| 5 | Manassas, VA | $28,333 | $13.62 |
| 6 | Leander, TX | $27,390 | $13.17 |
| 7 | Columbia, SC | $25,593 | $12.30 |
Special education instructional assistant salary details
A special education instructional 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 instructional 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 | $32,025 | $2,669 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,000 | $2,333 | $13 |
| 10th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 | $12 |
Highest paying special education instructional assistant jobs
The highest paying types of special education instructional assistants are special education teacher, special educator, and special education teacher for grades.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Support Teacher | $33,914 | $2,826 | $16.30 | 120,054 |
| Classroom Aide | $28,832 | $2,403 | $13.86 | 71,960 |
| Para Educator | $31,394 | $2,616 | $15.09 | 56,897 |
| Education Paraprofessional | $31,158 | $2,596 | $14.98 | 53,164 |
| Education Technician | $41,808 | $3,484 | $20.10 | 34,987 |
| Instructional Aide | $30,993 | $2,583 | $14.90 | 60,846 |
How would you rate the starting salaries for special education instructional 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 instructional assistants now:
Which companies pay special education instructional assistants the most?
Special education instructional assistant salaries at Goleta Union School District and Campbell Union High School District are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average special education instructional assistant salary at companies like Contra Costa College and Culver City Unified School District are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goleta Union School District | $38,253 | $18.39 |
| 2 | Campbell Union High School District | $37,539 | $18.05 |
| 3 | Contra Costa College | $37,451 | $18.01 |
| 4 | Culver City Unified School District | $37,340 | $17.95 |
| 5 | North Monterey County Unified School District | $36,995 | $17.79 |
| 6 | Peoria Unified School District | $36,362 | $17.48 |
| 7 | Rialto Unified School District | $36,125 | $17.37 |
| 8 | Santa Maria Joint Union High School District | $36,039 | $17.33 |
| 9 | Rancho Alamitos High School | $35,855 | $17.24 |
| 10 | Pasadena Unified School District | $35,786 | $17.20 |
| 11 | West Covina USD | $35,754 | $17.19 |
| 12 | Ocean View School District | $35,733 | $17.18 |
| 13 | Arroyo Seco Junior High | $35,709 | $17.17 |
| 14 | San Juan Unified School District | $35,558 | $17.10 |
| 15 | Manassas City Public Schools Education Foundation | $35,483 | $17.06 |
| 16 | Ross Valley School District | $35,389 | $17.01 |
| 17 | California Montessori Project | $35,324 | $16.98 |
| 18 | Riverside Unified School District | $35,173 | $16.91 |
| 19 | Lawndale Elementary School District | $35,146 | $16.90 |
| 20 | Pioneer High School | $34,967 | $16.81 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Special education instructional assistant salary trends
The average special education instructional assistant salary has risen by $5,878 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average special education instructional assistant earned $26,147 annually, but today, they earn $32,025 a year. That works out to a 14% change in pay for special education instructional assistants over the last decade.
Compare special education instructional assistant salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average special education instructional assistant salary over time
Compare special education instructional assistant salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Special education instructional assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $32,000 | $15.40 | +3.4% |
| 2025 | $30,900 | $14.87 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $29,900 | $14.38 | +2.6% |
| 2023 | $29,100 | $14.00 | +3.2% |
| 2022 | $28,200 | $13.55 | +2.0% |
Recently added special education instructional assistant salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carroll County, Md Public Schools | Special Education Instructional Assistant | Maryland | 06/28/2025 | $23,582 |
| Santa Maria Joint Union High School District | Instructional Assistant Special Education II | Santa Maria, CA | 06/28/2025 | $46,749 |
| School District of Springfield Township | Instructional Assistant-Special Education | Glenside, PA | 06/27/2025 | $38,004 |
| Union School District | Special Education Instructional Assistant I-.4688 FTE Hrs/Weekly)-Union Middle | San Jose, CA | 06/27/2025 | $46,978 |
| Carmel Clay Schools | Instructional Assistant-Special Education Resource | Hope, IN | 06/26/2025 | $30,637 |
| Seattle Public Schools | Special Education Instructional Assistant: Recruitment Pool | Seattle, WA | 06/26/2025 | $45,472 |
| North Marion Sd 15 | Instructional Assistant-Special Education Elementary | Aurora, OR | 06/26/2025 | $37,274 |
| Pomperaug Regional School District 15 | Special Education Instructional Assistant | Middlebury, CT | 06/26/2025 | $38,422 |
| Monomoy Regional School District | Long Term Substitute-Instructional Assistant, Special Education | Harwich, MA | 06/25/2025 | $51,361 |
| Bethlehem Area School District | Instructional Assistant-Special Education | Kane, PA | 06/22/2025 | $48,961 |
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