Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary in California
The median pay for a special education teachers, secondary school in California is $101,250/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $62K at the entry level to $134K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $101K get you in California?
About special education teachers, secondary schools
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level special education teachers, secondary schools (10th percentile) start around $62K. Mid-career wages sit at $101K.Top earners bring in $134K or more - a $72K spread from bottom to top.
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $101K | +45% | 12,190 |
| Washington | $98K | +41% | 2,470 |
| District of Columbia | $97K | +39% | 470 |
| New York | $92K | +32% | 17,030 |
| Rhode Island | $89K | +29% | 750 |
| Massachusetts | $83K | +19% | 4,050 |
| New Jersey | $80K | +15% | 7,700 |
| Maryland | $79K | +14% | 2,450 |
| Oregon | $79K | +13% | 960 |
| Alaska | $79K | +13% | 470 |
| Connecticut | $77K | +11% | 2,040 |
| Illinois | $77K | +11% | 8,890 |
| Delaware | $76K | +9% | 1,180 |
| Pennsylvania | $75K | +8% | 10,090 |
| Ohio | $74K | +7% | 10,570 |
Track special education teachers, secondary school salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
Related careers in Education
Frequently asked questions
How much do special education teachers, secondary schools make in California?
The median is $101,250 a year. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $61,590, and experienced special education teachers, secondary schools can clear $133,600. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $101K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,172/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 35.7% 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, secondary school salary go in California?
California 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, secondary school salary is worth about $101,250 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do special education teachers, secondary 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.