Special Education Teachers, Preschool Salary in U.S.
The median pay for a special education teachers, preschool in U.S. is $62,190/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $39K at the entry level to $133K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $62K get you in U.S.?
About special education teachers, preschools
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level special education teachers, preschools (10th percentile) start around $39K. Mid-career wages sit at $62K.Top earners bring in $133K or more - a $94K spread from bottom to top.
Special Education Teachers, Preschool pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $130K | +109% | 4,460 |
| New Jersey | $87K | +39% | 1,830 |
| Massachusetts | $83K | +33% | 680 |
| Washington | $80K | +29% | 880 |
| Georgia | $78K | +26% | 650 |
| Alaska | $77K | +24% | 140 |
| Michigan | $74K | +18% | 300 |
| Vermont | $70K | +13% | 70 |
| Minnesota | $67K | +7% | 1,130 |
| Virginia | $65K | +4% | 580 |
| Rhode Island | $64K | +3% | 210 |
| New Mexico | $64K | +3% | N/A |
| Nebraska | $64K | +3% | 80 |
| Connecticut | $64K | +2% | 340 |
| North Dakota | $63K | +1% | 90 |
Track special education teachers, preschool 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, preschools make in U.S.?
The median is $62,190 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $38,740, and experienced special education teachers, preschools can clear $132,530. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $62K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,334/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 32.6% 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, preschool 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, preschool salary is worth about $62,190 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do special education teachers, preschools 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.