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The differences between special needs teachers and pre-k teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a special needs teacher has an average salary of $47,334, which is higher than the $40,301 average annual salary of a pre-k teacher.
The top three skills for a special needs teacher include autism, behavioral issues and mathematics. The most important skills for a pre-k teacher are kids, math, and language arts.
| Special Needs Teacher | Pre-K Teacher | |
| Yearly salary | $47,334 | $40,301 |
| Hourly rate | $22.76 | $19.38 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 74,039 | 60,464 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A Special Needs Teacher works with children and young people who need support with their learning because they find it difficult. They evaluate students skills to determine their needs, develop teaching plans, and adapt lessons to meet the needs of students.
Pre-K teachers play an essential role in the lives of young children ages three to five years old by developing and nurturing their interest in subjects appropriate for their age. They promote a creative learning environment and encourage social interactions among students while providing the fundamental educational foundation that will prepare them for a successful start to kindergarten. They are responsible for overseeing children during their mealtimes, reinforcing personal hygiene, and developing children's social skills. Pre-K teachers also plan curriculum and work with other school staff members.
Special needs teachers and pre-k teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Special Needs Teacher | Pre-K Teacher | |
| Average salary | $47,334 | $40,301 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $65,000 | Between $28,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | Berkeley, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | New York |
| Best paying company | San Mateo County Office Of Education | Faulkner University |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a special needs teacher and a pre-k teacher in terms of educational background:
| Special Needs Teacher | Pre-K Teacher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 57% |
| Most common major | Special Education | Early Childhood Education |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between special needs teachers' and pre-k teachers' demographics:
| Special Needs Teacher | Pre-K Teacher | |
| Average age | 43 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 20.8% Female, 79.2% | Male, 8.5% Female, 91.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 3.6% White, 71.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 3.7% White, 69.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |