Special Education Teachers, Middle School vs. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education: Who Earns More?
Special Education Teachers, Middle School out-earn Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Special Education Teachers, Middle School land at $66,810 and Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education 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 School is California ($101,530); 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, 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 School or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Special Education Teachers, Middle School earn more nationally. The median is $66,810 for Special Education Teachers, Middle School versus $63,970 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, 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?
Special Education Teachers, Middle School has the better 10-year outlook at -1.9% projected growth, compared to -2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 School get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Special Education Teachers, Middle School 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 School earn $101,530 vs. $99,650 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.