Special Education Teachers, Secondary School vs. Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary: Who Earns More?
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School out-earn Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary by $37K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Special Education Teachers, Secondary School land at $74,260 and Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary at $36,780. The education gap is real: special education teachers, secondary school programs typically require bachelor's degree, while teaching assistants, except postsecondary programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School is Washington ($101,120); 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, Secondary School median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Special Education Teachers, Secondary School or Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary?
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School earn more nationally. The median is $74,260 for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School versus $36,780 for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, a difference of $37K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Special Education Teachers, Secondary School or Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary?
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary has the better 10-year outlook at -1.5% projected growth, compared to -1.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Special Education Teachers, Secondary School or Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary?
Special Education Teachers, Secondary 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, Secondary School get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School at $101,120/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, Secondary School vs. Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Special Education Teachers, Secondary School earn $101,120 vs. $49,120 for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.