Special Education Teachers, Preschool Salary
The median pay for a special education teachers, preschool in Washington is $86,580/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $65K at the entry level to $125K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 102.01), that's roughly $84,874 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,830/month, about 31.6% of take-home, which is tight.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Washington. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $87K get you in Washington?
About special education teachers, preschools
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What this looks like in Washington
Washington sits well above the national pay line for special education teachers, preschool, local pay runs about 34% higher than the U.S. median of $65K. Rent runs $1,830/month for a 2-bedroom (HUD FMR), taking 31.7% of the median take-home. That's within the 30% rule, though not by much. Cost of living (RPP 102.01) is near the national average, so spending patterns here track the typical American budget fairly closely. Use the affordability calculator above to model your specific situation.
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington
Entry-level special education teachers, preschools (10th percentile) start around $65K. Mid-career wages sit at $87K. Top earners bring in $125K or more, a $60K spread from bottom to top.
Special Education Teachers, Preschool salary by metro in Washington
4 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $94K | +9% | 470 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | $83K | -5% | 50 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $80K | -8% | 40 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $75K | -13% | 40 |
Compare to other states
Track special education teachers, preschool salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a special education teachers, preschool afford a 2BR apartment alone in Washington?
It’s a stretch — at the median salary of $87K, rent takes 31.7% of take-home pay. A 2-bedroom at the HUD Fair Market Rent runs $1,830/month. The 30% guideline puts the comfortable ceiling at roughly $1,700/month in rent — so roommates or a 1-bedroom would ease the math significantly.
What’s the entry-level salary for special education teachers, preschools in Washington?
The 10th-percentile wage — what new special education teachers, preschools typically earn — is $65K/year. Take-home on that works out to about $3,914/month. At HUD’s $1,830/month FMR, rent would take 47% of that take-home — above the 30% guideline, so a 1-bedroom or shared housing is likely necessary starting out.
Is special education teachers, preschool a high-paying job in Washington?
Local pay is 34% above the national median — $87K here vs. $65K nationally.
How does Washington compare to the national average for special education teachers, preschools?
Washington pays $87K median vs. the U.S. average of $65K — that’s +34%. After adjusting for local cost of living (RPP 102.01), the purchasing-power equivalent is $85K — still ahead of the national median.
How much do special education teachers, preschools make in Washington?
The median is $86,580 a year. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $65,240, and experienced special education teachers, preschools can clear $125,040. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $87K enough to live in Washington?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,775/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,830/month, which eats 31.7% 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 Washington?
Washington has a Regional Price Parity of 102.01 (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, preschool salary is worth about $84,874 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.