Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary in U.S.
The median pay for a special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in U.S. is $63,000/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $48K at the entry level to $101K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $63K get you in U.S.?
About special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools (10th percentile) start around $48K. Mid-career wages sit at $63K.Top earners bring in $101K or more - a $53K spread from bottom to top.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $91K | +44% | 17,920 |
| Washington | $85K | +35% | 3,290 |
| District of Columbia | $82K | +31% | 1,140 |
| Connecticut | $81K | +29% | 2,570 |
| New York | $81K | +28% | 20,500 |
| Massachusetts | $79K | +25% | 6,650 |
| Oregon | $78K | +24% | 1,730 |
| Rhode Island | $78K | +24% | 1,210 |
| Alaska | $77K | +23% | 370 |
| Illinois | $76K | +21% | 12,550 |
| New Jersey | $76K | +20% | 10,700 |
| Maryland | $76K | +20% | 3,640 |
| Michigan | $76K | +20% | 3,600 |
| Georgia | $68K | +7% | 9,700 |
| New Mexico | $66K | +6% | 1,000 |
Track special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools make in U.S.?
The median is $63,000 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $47,590, and experienced special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools can clear $100,620. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $63K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,388/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 32.2% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary is worth about $63,000 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.