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The average salary for a Special Education Teacher for Grades in the United States is approximately $50,555 per year, translating to about $24 per hour. This compensation can vary significantly based on several factors including geographic location, years of experience, and the educational institution type.
For instance, teachers working in urban areas often earn higher salaries compared to those in rural settings. Additionally, teachers with advanced degrees or certifications typically have the potential to earn higher wages. According to recent data, states like California and New York tend to offer higher salaries for special education teachers, reflecting the higher cost of living and demand for qualified professionals.
As the demand for special education services continues to grow, so do opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries. Pursuing further education, such as a master’s degree or specialized certifications, can significantly enhance earning potential. By focusing on these factors, special education teachers can position themselves to achieve both personal and professional financial success.
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The average special education teacher for grades salary in Maryland, New York, and California are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average special education teacher for grades salary states are South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Montana.
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $60,216 | $28.95 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania | $48,968 | $23.54 |
| 3 | Wyoming | $50,796 | $24.42 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $55,093 | $26.49 |
| 5 | District of Columbia | $59,122 | $28.42 |
| 6 | New York | $57,202 | $27.50 |
| 7 | New Jersey | $49,517 | $23.81 |
| 8 | Nevada | $45,227 | $21.74 |
| 9 | Kentucky | $43,879 | $21.10 |
| 10 | Illinois | $45,577 | $21.91 |
| 11 | Alaska | $55,110 | $26.50 |
| 12 | California | $56,126 | $26.98 |
| 13 | Missouri | $45,121 | $21.69 |
| 14 | Oregon | $49,035 | $23.57 |
| 15 | Georgia | $48,908 | $23.51 |
| 16 | Ohio | $43,269 | $20.80 |
| 17 | Massachusetts | $50,090 | $24.08 |
| 18 | Nebraska | $43,275 | $20.81 |
| 19 | Washington | $48,035 | $23.09 |
| 20 | Delaware | $44,834 | $21.55 |
| 21 | Tennessee | $43,752 | $21.03 |
| 22 | Hawaii | $54,727 | $26.31 |
| 23 | Colorado | $43,700 | $21.01 |
| 24 | New Mexico | $41,342 | $19.88 |
| 25 | West Virginia | $43,074 | $20.71 |
| 26 | Texas | $42,603 | $20.48 |
| 27 | Alabama | $42,787 | $20.57 |
| 28 | Kansas | $41,149 | $19.78 |
| 29 | Michigan | $40,121 | $19.29 |
| 30 | South Carolina | $41,515 | $19.96 |
| 31 | North Dakota | $42,858 | $20.60 |
| 32 | Arizona | $40,092 | $19.27 |
| 33 | Rhode Island | $42,725 | $20.54 |
| 34 | Iowa | $40,882 | $19.65 |
| 35 | North Carolina | $40,171 | $19.31 |
| 36 | Oklahoma | $37,658 | $18.10 |
| 37 | Arkansas | $38,835 | $18.67 |
| 38 | Virginia | $42,145 | $20.26 |
| 39 | Montana | $36,853 | $17.72 |
| 40 | Louisiana | $40,244 | $19.35 |
| 41 | Minnesota | $39,053 | $18.78 |
| 42 | New Hampshire | $36,273 | $17.44 |
| 43 | Florida | $39,492 | $18.99 |
| 44 | Vermont | $38,053 | $18.29 |
| 45 | Indiana | $36,727 | $17.66 |
| 46 | Idaho | $38,890 | $18.70 |
| 47 | Wisconsin | $37,201 | $17.89 |
| 48 | Utah | $37,989 | $18.26 |
| 49 | Mississippi | $37,826 | $18.19 |
| 50 | South Dakota | $37,221 | $17.89 |
| 51 | Maine | $32,359 | $15.56 |
The highest-paying cities for special education teachers for grades are Gaithersburg, MD, New York, NY, and Oakland, CA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gaithersburg, MD | $60,346 | $29.01 |
| 2 | New York, NY | $57,695 | $27.74 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $57,502 | $27.65 |
| 4 | Bridgeport, CT | $55,747 | $26.80 |
| 5 | Fall River, MA | $51,634 | $24.82 |
| 6 | New Brunswick, NJ | $49,665 | $23.88 |
| 7 | Philadelphia, PA | $49,302 | $23.70 |
| 8 | Rockford, IL | $45,252 | $21.76 |
| 9 | Denver, CO | $43,701 | $21.01 |
| 10 | Norfolk, VA | $42,503 | $20.43 |
| 11 | Detroit, MI | $40,220 | $19.34 |
| 12 | Phoenix, AZ | $40,072 | $19.27 |
| 13 | Indianapolis, IN | $36,964 | $17.77 |
A special education teacher for grades's salary ranges from $39,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $65,000 at the 90th percentile.

| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $65,000 | $5,417 | $31 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,000 | $4,750 | $27 |
| Average | $50,555 | $4,213 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,000 | $3,667 | $21 |
| 10th Percentile | $39,000 | $3,250 | $19 |
The highest paying types of special education teachers for grades are student teacher, reading teacher, and special education teacher.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher | $47,989 | $3,999 | $23.07 | 71,918 |
| English Language Arts Teacher | $48,483 | $4,040 | $23.31 | 88,793 |
| 5th Grade Teacher | $46,300 | $3,858 | $22.26 | 57,358 |
| 2nd Grade Teacher | $46,850 | $3,904 | $22.52 | 59,077 |
| 4th Grade Teacher | $47,619 | $3,968 | $22.89 | 68,138 |
| 6th Grade Teacher | $45,615 | $3,801 | $21.93 | 69,523 |
How would you rate the starting salaries for Special education teachers for grades, 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 teachers for grades now:
Special education teacher for grades salaries at Boston Public Schools and Baltimore City Public Schools are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average special education teacher for grades salary at companies like Alhambra Unified School District and Santa Rosa City Schools are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston Public Schools | $60,602 | $29.14 |
| 2 | Baltimore City Public Schools | $59,713 | $28.71 |
| 3 | Alhambra Unified School District | $59,102 | $28.41 |
| 4 | Santa Rosa City Schools | $56,918 | $27.36 |
| 5 | Grossmont College | $55,219 | $26.55 |
| 6 | Montgomery County Public Schools | $54,220 | $26.07 |
| 7 | Denver Public Schools | $54,216 | $26.07 |
| 8 | Sheridan School District | $54,023 | $25.97 |
| 9 | Mystic Valley Regional Charter School | $52,884 | $25.43 |
| 10 | Ross Valley School District | $51,711 | $24.86 |
| 11 | district | $50,790 | $24.42 |
| 12 | Hartford Public Schools | $49,269 | $23.69 |
| 13 | ProCare Therapy | $47,897 | $23.03 |
| 14 | Mastery Charter Schools | $47,871 | $23.01 |
| 15 | Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES | $47,533 | $22.85 |
| 16 | CAPITAL PREP HARBOR SCHOOL | $46,523 | $22.37 |
| 17 | Buffalo Schools | $46,479 | $22.35 |
| 18 | Madison High School | $44,954 | $21.61 |
| 19 | Bristol Public School District | $43,742 | $21.03 |
| 20 | New Brunswick Public Schools | $42,495 | $20.43 |
The average special education teacher for grades salary has risen by $5,632 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average special education teacher for grades earned $44,923 annually, but today, they earn $50,555 a year. That works out to a 6% change in pay for special education teachers for grades over the last decade.
Compare special education teacher for grades salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Compare special education teacher for grades salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $50,600 | $24.31 | +0.3% |
| 2025 | $50,400 | $24.24 | +1.8% |
| 2024 | $49,500 | $23.81 | +1.3% |
| 2023 | $48,900 | $23.50 | +2.7% |
| 2022 | $47,600 | $22.87 | +2.2% |
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neighborhood House Charter School | 11Th Grade Special Education Teacher | Boston, MA | 06/27/2025 | $67,500 |
| Amergis | 6Th Grade Special Education Teacher | Waynesville, MO | 06/27/2025 | $93,915 |
| The School District of South Orange and Maplewood | LR Special Education Teacher/Inclusion-Grade 4 | Maplewood, NJ | 06/26/2025 | $70,785 |
| Hebrew Public Charter Schools for Global Citizens | Grade 8 Special Education Teacher | New York, NY | 06/25/2025 | $62,000 |
| Mastery Charter Schools | Middle School Special Education Teacher-6Th-8Th Grade School Year | Camden, NJ | 06/24/2025 | $60,000 |
| Yorktown CSD (Ny | Special Education Teacher Grade 3 ICT (Anticipated Vacancy) | Yorktown Heights, NY | 06/18/2025 | $62,306 |
| Lawrence Public Schools | 9Th Grade Special Education Teacher | Lawrence, MA | 06/17/2025 | $56,415 |
| Monroe Township School District | Teacher of Special Education-Grade 5 Ics/Rc School Year (179) | Monroe, NJ | 06/15/2025 | $64,175 |
| Owen J Roberts School District | Special Education Teacher-HS-Emotional Support-Grades | Kane, PA | 06/13/2025 | $58,000 |
| Carroll County Schools | Grades Special Education Teacher | Carrollton, KY | 06/13/2025 | $47,643 |
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