Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education: Who Earns More?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School out-earn Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education by $1K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School land at $65,120 and Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education at $63,970. The education gap is real: special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school programs typically require bachelor's degree, while elementary school teachers, except special education programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School is District of Columbia ($97,910); for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education it's Washington ($102,350).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School earn more nationally. The median is $65,120 for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School versus $63,970 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, a difference of $1K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School has the better 10-year outlook at -1.8% projected growth, compared to -2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School typically requires bachelor's degree. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School at $97,910/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School earn $97,910 vs. $96,580 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.