Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School vs. Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary: Who Earns More?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools out-earn Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondarys by $28K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools land at $65,120 and Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondarys at $36,780. The education gap is real: special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school programs typically require bachelor's degree, while teaching assistants, except postsecondary programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools is District of Columbia ($97,910); for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondarys it's Washington ($49,120).
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 Schools or Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondarys?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools earn more nationally. The median is $65,120 for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools versus $36,780 for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondarys, a difference of $28K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School or Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School or Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School typically requires bachelor's degree. Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools 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. Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools earn $97,910 vs. $46,920 for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondarys. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.