Special Education Teachers, Middle School vs. Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary: Who Earns More?
Special Education Teachers, Middle School out-earn Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary by $30K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Special Education Teachers, Middle School land at $66,810 and Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary at $36,780. The education gap is real: special education teachers, middle school programs typically require bachelor's degree, while teaching assistants, except postsecondary programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Special Education Teachers, Middle School is California ($101,530); for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary it's Washington ($49,120).
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 Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary?
Special Education Teachers, Middle School earn more nationally. The median is $66,810 for Special Education Teachers, Middle School versus $36,780 for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, a difference of $30K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Special Education Teachers, Middle School or Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary?
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary has the better 10-year outlook at -1.5% projected growth, compared to -1.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Special Education Teachers, Middle School or Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary?
Special Education Teachers, Middle 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, 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. Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Special Education Teachers, Middle School earn $101,530 vs. $46,490 for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.