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Job outlook for special education supervisors in the United States
Special education supervisor job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected special education supervisor job growth rate is 3% from 2018-2028.
About 13,600 new jobs for special education supervisors are projected over the next decade.
Special education supervisor salaries have increased 6% for special education supervisors in the last 5 years.
There are over 6,941 special education supervisors currently employed in the United States.
There are 49,236 active special education supervisor job openings in the US.
The average special education supervisor salary is $72,268.
Are special education supervisor jobs in demand?
Special education supervisor job and salary trends over time
Special education supervisor jobs over time
Special education supervisor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6,941 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 6,883 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 7,086 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 76,967 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 73,480 | 0.02% |
Average special education supervisor salary over time
Special education supervisor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $72,268 | $34.74 | +2.3% |
| 2025 | $70,614 | $33.95 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $69,081 | $33.21 | +0.7% |
| 2023 | $68,602 | $32.98 | +0.8% |
| 2022 | $68,055 | $32.72 | +2.1% |
Special education supervisor jobs by state
Most common states for special education supervisors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 134 | 19% |
| 2 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 559 | 13% |
| 3 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 246 | 13% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 149 | 11% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 62 | 10% |
| 6 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 539 | 9% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 55 | 9% |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,026 | 8% |
| 9 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 946 | 8% |
| 10 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 572 | 8% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 314 | 8% |
| 12 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 291 | 8% |
| 13 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 79 | 8% |
| 14 | Delaware | 961,939 | 77 | 8% |
| 15 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 874 | 7% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 397 | 7% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 377 | 7% |
| 18 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 92 | 7% |
| 19 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 53 | 7% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 51 | 7% |
Most common cities for special education supervisors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Springfield | 1 | 4% | $72,784 |
| 2 | Cheltenham | 1 | 3% | $72,922 |
| 3 | Abington | 1 | 2% | $72,941 |
| 4 | Philadelphia | 1 | 0% | $72,896 |
Special Education Supervisor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of special education supervisor experts
Florida Atlantic University
Eastern Mennonite University
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
California State University - Long Beach
Bucknell University
University of Indianapolis
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
University of North Dakota
University of Nebraska - Kearney
University of South Alabama
Oklahoma State University
Saint Xavier University
Adelphi University
Michigan State University
Fort Hays State University
What general advice would you give to a Special Education Supervisor?
Jonathan Higgins Ed.D.: Get involved in your school. Many club sponsor, team lead, coaching positions come with a supplement. Other teachers will work after-school tutoring programs, tutor privately, or work summer school. Additionally, many districts pay more for advanced degrees. The amount may only be $2,500 or so per year, but if you spend $10,000 on a Masters degree, it is likely you will pay it back in four or five years and then be making more money. Unfortunately, the only other way to maximize salary is to move into a more administrative role. It is sad when we see good teachers leaving the classroom to pursue administration solely for economic reasons. In addition, it is sad for administration when we see not so great people also move into those roles because they want to be paid more as well.
What Special Education Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Torica Exume Ph.D.: The education sector undergoes continuous change, requiring graduates to remain adaptable and responsive to evolving trends and innovations. Skills that may gain importance in the field include proficiency in employing educational technology tools for teaching, learning, and assessment; using student data to inform instructional strategies; and adapting to emerging technologies and platforms.
What will help Special Education Supervisors increase their earning potential?
Paul Yoder: The ability to foster healthy classroom communities has always been important. The fact that students of all ages experienced COVID during formative years makes this enduring adage that much more essential. Educators need to be able to facilitate a class meeting and employ a trauma-sensitive lens. These skills can be used proactively as well as when conflict occurs.
What Special Education Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
LaShera McElhany Ph.D.: Student engagement is at the forefront of educational topics currently. Teachers will need to get back to the basics of researched-based pedagogical practices with hands-on and real-world applications of learning. There has been a recent move in schools around the country to pull back on device use in the classroom as a way to engage students in the learning process. Technology is a tool for learning, but it should not be the only tool used to engage students. Students need opportunities to think critically, be creative problem solvers, collaborate, and communicate with others face to face and in online environments.
Lisa Isbell Ed.D.
Program Coordinator, Multiple Subject Credential CoordinatorCalifornia State University - Long Beach
Education
What general advice would you give to a Special Education Supervisor?
Lisa Isbell Ed.D.: Entering the field of education is a noble and rewarding journey, but it comes with its unique set of challenges. To thrive, cultivate a genuine passion for learning and a deep empathy for students from diverse backgrounds. Flexibility and adaptability are key—every classroom is different, and the needs of students can change rapidly. Embrace collaboration with colleagues, as their insights and experiences can be invaluable. Continuously seek professional development opportunities to stay current with teaching strategies and educational technologies. Above all, foster an inclusive and supportive classroom environment where every student feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. Remember, teaching is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about inspiring curiosity and building a foundation for lifelong learning.
What will help Special Education Supervisors increase their earning potential?
Lisa Isbell Ed.D.: Maximizing your salary potential in the field of education involves a combination of strategic planning, continuous learning, and flexibility. Here are some considerations that impact salary: Education and Credentials: Start by earning advanced degrees or specialized certifications, as many school districts offer salary increments for additional qualifications. A master's degree or specific endorsements (like special education, STEM, or ESL) can increase your earning potential. Location: Research the geographic regions with higher salaries and lower costs of living. Urban districts and certain states tend to offer higher starting salaries, but cost of living and other benefits must be considered. High-Demand Specializations: Certain teaching fields are in higher demand, such as special education, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), or bilingual education. Specializing in these areas can lead to more job opportunities and higher salaries. Gain Experience and Leadership Roles: Look for opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as becoming a department head, lead teacher, or mentor. These positions often come with additional stipends or salary bumps. Extracurricular Activities: Schools often need coordinators for extracurricular activities like coaching sports, directing drama productions, or overseeing clubs. These roles typically offer additional stipends. Continuous Professional Development: Stay updated with educational trends and new teaching methodologies. Professional development can make you more valuable to your school district and open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Networking: Build a strong professional network by attending educational conferences and engaging with online educator communities. Networking can lead to job opportunities with better salary prospects.
What general advice would you give to a Special Education Supervisor?
Janet VanLone Ph.D.: Advice that I often give to my graduates as they enter their first year of teaching: We currently have a teacher shortage in this country. As a well-prepared and qualified teacher, you can take time during the job search and interview process to find a school that is a good fit for you. Ask a lot of questions. What kind of support do new teachers get? What is the teacher retention rate in the district? What is the leadership philosophy of the administrative team? Prioritize finding a position in a district where you will be valued and have the potential to continue learning and growing as a new teacher. Your students' learning conditions are your working conditions. At the start of the year, taking time to create a classroom environment that supports your students' academic and social/emotional growth has endless benefits. The first few weeks of the school year are so important. Determine your classroom expectations and routines. Explicitly teach and practice those expectations. Provide lots of positive reinforcement when your students are doing the right thing. Classroom management lays the foundation for a productive and positive year for you and your students. Teaching is not a competitive sport. We do our best when we are collaborative. Work to build relationships with colleagues, families, and the school community. Remember that you are not alone!
What Special Education Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Tracy Johnson: Be as marketable as possible. The more grades, subject areas, etc. that you are licensed to teach, the better off you are. At a time when teachers are in high demand, you can afford to apply to many different places and choose the one that is right for you, not only financially but also philosophically as well.
What general advice would you give to a Special Education Supervisor?
Donna Jurich Ph.D.: The “hard” skills that elementary teachers need to have for the next 3-5 years: Knowledge of the academic (content) standards for the state where they are teaching Technological competence – an ease across platforms using academic apps in new ways and gaming and social networking apps in academics; understanding of the ethical use of technology for teachers and students; staying current with technology Lesson planning that is student-centered, engaging, creates opportunities for students to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills – while addressing state academic (content) standards A repertoire of strategies to strengthen young children’s executive functioning and social-emotional development. The “soft” skills that elementary teachers need to have for the next 3-5 years: Clear and compassionate communication, more often in-person Resiliency to adapt and address the changing student population and the increased pressures and demands from district, state and federal agencies Inclusivity and compassion for multiple perspectives
What will help Special Education Supervisors increase their earning potential?
Donna Jurich Ph.D.: When looking for a job, do your homework – Yes, homework continues after you graduate from college! Investigate multiple school districts. While you may “know” the school district where you want to work, you want to find out what other districts offer. You want to be smart to ensure that the school district is a good match for you and to have questions to ask the district about opportunities and options that other districts may offer. We continue to face a shortage of elementary school teachers across the country. Finding an elementary teaching position is not a problem; finding the right elementary teaching position for you is more complex. I think it is important that a school district provide a mentor – preferably at your school site – with whom you can build a relationship. The first years of teaching elementary school always contain a lot of surprises. Having a mentor – an education professional - helps you process the surprises and turn the surprises from feeling like disasters to feeling like professional learning experiences. Being an elementary school teacher involves a myriad of daily communications with individual students, groups of students, the whole class, colleagues, building administrators, volunteers, paraprofessionals, and students’ family members – just to name a few. Elementary teachers have to take care of others, so it is critical to have good self-care practices in place before the school year begins. Just like the instructions given when flying: Put your oxygen mask on first before helping others. If you run out of oxygen, you can’t help others. Self-care sounds simple. It is simple to forget. Intentionally plan to get 7-8 hours of sleep; eat three healthy meals (Pack your lunch the night before. Cook a week’s worth of dinners on the weekend.); and have personal time – for example exercising or crafting.
What Special Education Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Vicki Collet: In addition to pay increases for experience, additional education helps you climb the salary ladder. Be intentional so that your ongoing education counts not just for license renewal, but also for an additional endorsement or degree.
What Special Education Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Christopher Clark: 3) Teaching is not known for its high salaries, but new teachers should be aware that many districts are experiencing teacher shortages. This may give candidates the luxury of receiving multiple job offers or having more leverage to negotiate salary.
Franziska Brech
Senior Lecturer of Flute and GermanUniversity of Nebraska - Kearney
Germanic Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What will help Special Education Supervisors increase their earning potential?
Franziska Brech: Communication skills, discipline. Learning is not just a game, a reward system.
What general advice would you give to a Special Education Supervisor?
Dr. Amanda Aguilar: Most of your salary increases within education will come from additional years of experience as your career progresses or moving to a district/state that pays a higher salary. However, there are some things you can do throughout your career that will add additional stipends on top of your base salary. Some of these might include additional education (masters, doctorate) and additional certifications (English as a Second Language (ESL), National Board Certification, School Counseling, reading and/or math specialist, and more). Additionally, you might decide to take on additional duties such as coaching, club sponsorship, summer school teaching, and more. The stipends for these duties will vary depending on the district.
What general advice would you give to a Special Education Supervisor?
Nicole Amare Ph.D.: Undergraduates at our institution are encouraged to complete an internship prior to graduation to gain experience and network with others in their chosen subfield of English studies, so waiting until graduation to start thinking about their career options will probably be too late. New graduates are encouraged to use their strong reading, analytical, and writing skills to craft a resume and job application letter or email tailored to individual career positions, but again, most students should have those documents drafted as early as sophomore year and preferably already have applied their skills in one or more internship opportunities.
What will help Special Education Supervisors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Sarah Donovan: The field of education needs to continue to professionalize like healthcare fields. Teachers from accredited programs with certification will earn a higher salary.
Teachers are in high demand in many states, and some school districts are offering incentives. Many of these incentives require teachers to make a commitment to the school and community for a number of years.
Graduate programs are now available online and in person. Graduate degrees in education need not be completed quickly nor are they necessarily about 'finishing.' I think there is a lot to gain from taking one class per semester or one graduate class each summer to nurture ongoing collaboration with education faculty and higher education communities. The graduate peers and faculty become another network of support, and each course can contribute to salary bumps. Also, some school districts will pay or supplement graduate courses as ongoing professional development.
Margaret Carroll
Coordinator for Special Education ProgramsSaint Xavier University
Special Education And Teaching
What Special Education Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Margaret Carroll: Take the time to invest in your students and develop an effective repertory of instructional strategies, assessment tools, and classroom management strategies. I tell new teachers not to do anything drastic during their first year of teaching: don't move, marry, have a child, divorce, or continue your education during your first year. The first year of teaching is very demanding.
What general advice would you give to a Special Education Supervisor?
Dr. Stephen Shore Ed.D.: On a day to day basis a special education teacher assures that all students under their care receive appropriate adjustments to the delivery of curriculum, different opportunities for processing information received, and options for the student to demonstrate mastery of material according to their abilities. Sometimes adjustments to the curriculum itself will be made. A person entering the field as a special educator does the very same thing, under the guidance of a mentor teacher who shares their educational experiences.
What will help Special Education Supervisors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Stephen Shore Ed.D.: My sense is that special education teachers value their capacity to make real and meaningful positive changes in the lives of students they support. The most common dislike I hear from special education students include the mountains of paperwork and frustration when they are not provided sufficient support from their school systems to do their jobs effectively.
Dr. PJ Sedillo
Associate ProfessorWhat Special Education Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. PJ Sedillo: Patience
Creativity
Communication
Organization
Advocacy
What Special Education Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Troy Mariage: Special education teachers are responsible for coordinating and providing direct services to students with Individualized Education Plans. They work with students with various disabilities such as Learning Disabilities, Autism, Speech and Language Disorders, and more. Special education teachers may provide early interventions, extra reading supports, access to the general education curriculum, transition services, direct instruction, co-teaching, consultation with general education teachers, and more.
Jerrie Brooks Ed.D.
Assistant Professor, Program Coordinator for Special Education High Incidence ProgramFort Hays State University
Special Education And Teaching
What general advice would you give to a Special Education Supervisor?
Jerrie Brooks Ed.D.: Teaching salaries are generally dependent on years of experience and the level of education attained. Continue to work towards additional degrees that will move you over on the salary schedule.
What Special Education Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jerrie Brooks Ed.D.: During the Covid-19 pandemic when schools closed, P-12 education was changed to include online instruction. I think virtual education in some form will continue. Teachers need the skills and instructional strategies to engage students, whether in the face-to-face classroom or a virtual environment.
What Special Education Supervisor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jennifer Kurth: I always recommend teachers pursue advanced degrees, including master's degrees. This is a sure way to increase a teacher's starting salary. It is also a good idea to engage in professional learning throughout your career to enhance your skills and knowledge - some districts offer salary incentives or bonuses for teachers who participate in these. Finally, I suggest that teachers research salary scales before accepting a job offer - some districts will offer higher starting salaries or better opportunities for salary advancement than others. It's a good reminder to a new teacher that during the interview, they are also interviewing their potential employer to make sure their compensation and opportunities are fair and that the districts offer support to teachers to enable them to be successful and secure in their careers.
What will help Special Education Supervisors increase their earning potential?
Jennifer Kurth: Being a special education teacher is a wonderful career - it offers lasting opportunities to make a difference and change lives. With this opportunity comes needs to build relationships with students and families to work towards effective collaboration and support. Special education is a team approach, and collaborating with others lets teachers leverage the skills and expertise of others as the team works towards the common goal of supporting the student in pursuing their goals. I would also recommend new teachers stay organized - special education involves a lot of important paperwork, so developing a system to keep track of this, without letting it feel like overwhelming, is essential. I recommend that teachers seek strengths in themselves but especially in their students. Identifying those strengths lets us leverage them in ways that enable students to thrive - so always find those unique skills and interests to build upon. Finally, take care of yourself. Teaching can be demanding, especially in special education. Jake sure to prioritize your self-care and maintain a healthy and sustainable work-life balance. You'll be better able to support your students when you are well rested and emotionally grounded - these will also be traits that facilitate your longevity in this great field!
What general advice would you give to a Special Education Supervisor?
Jennifer Kurth: Being a special education teacher is a wonderful career - it offers lasting opportunities to make a difference and change lives. With this opportunity comes needs to build relationships with students and families to work towards effective collaboration and support. Special education is a team approach, and collaborating with others lets teachers leverage the skills and expertise of others as the team works towards the common goal of supporting the student in pursuing their goals. I would also recommend new teachers stay organized - special education involves a lot of important paperwork, so developing a system to keep track of this, without letting it feel like overwhelming, is essential. I recommend that teachers seek strengths in themselves but especially in their students. Identifying those strengths lets us leverage them in ways that enable students to thrive - so always find those unique skills and interests to build upon. Finally, take care of yourself. Teaching can be demanding, especially in special education. Jake sure to prioritize your self-care and maintain a healthy and sustainable work-life balance. You'll be better able to support your students when you are well rested and emotionally grounded - these will also be traits that facilitate your longevity in this great field!