Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary in U.S.
The median pay for a special education teachers, middle school in U.S. is $64,880/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $48K at the entry level to $103K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $65K get you in U.S.?
About special education teachers, middle schools
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level special education teachers, middle schools (10th percentile) start around $48K. Mid-career wages sit at $65K.Top earners bring in $103K or more - a $55K spread from bottom to top.
Special Education Teachers, Middle School pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $99K | +53% | 6,850 |
| Washington | $95K | +47% | 1,550 |
| New York | $91K | +41% | 7,190 |
| Rhode Island | $90K | +38% | 260 |
| Massachusetts | $85K | +31% | 2,880 |
| Connecticut | $83K | +28% | 1,080 |
| Oregon | $78K | +21% | 560 |
| Alaska | $78K | +20% | 220 |
| District of Columbia | $78K | +20% | 320 |
| Pennsylvania | $78K | +20% | 4,800 |
| New Jersey | $78K | +19% | 6,590 |
| Maryland | $77K | +18% | 1,710 |
| New Mexico | $76K | +17% | 720 |
| Delaware | $75K | +15% | N/A |
| Utah | $74K | +14% | 800 |
Track special education teachers, middle 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, middle schools make in U.S.?
The median is $64,880 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $48,070, and experienced special education teachers, middle schools can clear $102,730. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $65K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,502/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 31.4% 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, middle 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, middle school salary is worth about $64,880 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do special education teachers, middle 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.