Special Education Teachers, Middle School vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education: Who Earns More?
Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools out-earn Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Educations by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools land at $66,810 and Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Educations at $63,970. The education gap is real: special education teachers, middle 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, Middle Schools is California ($101,530); for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Educations it's Washington ($102,350).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Special Education Teachers, Middle School median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Educations?
Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools earn more nationally. The median is $66,810 for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools versus $63,970 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Educations, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Special Education Teachers, Middle School or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
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, Middle School or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Special Education Teachers, Middle 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, Middle Schools get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools at $101,530/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, Middle School vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools earn $101,530 vs. $99,650 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Educations. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.