Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary in Salinas, CA
The median pay for a special education teachers, middle school in Salinas, CA is $98,550/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $63K at the entry level to $128K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 109.04), so that salary is closer to $90,380 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,684/month — about 43.4% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $99K get you in Salinas?
About special education teachers, middle schools
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Salinas, CA
Entry-level special education teachers, middle schools (10th percentile) start around $63K. Mid-career wages sit at $99K.Top earners bring in $128K or more - a $65K 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 Salinas numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do special education teachers, middle schools make in Salinas, CA?
The median is $98,550 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $62,560, and experienced special education teachers, middle schools can clear $127,950. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $99K enough to live in Salinas?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,034/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,684/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 44.5% 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 Salinas?
Salinas has a Regional Price Parity of 109.04 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median special education teachers, middle school salary is worth about $90,380 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.