Special Education Salary and Job Outlook Information

By Emma Zaratian

Very few teachers become financially rich as a result of their vocation. However, they aren't hurting financially either. A special education salary is usually competitive and complemented by a solid benefits package. Teaching brings other rewards as well, especially when working closely with exceptional students whose day-to-day progress can be a great source of satisfaction. But since you can't live off emotional rewards alone, it's wise to research special education salaries before choosing your career path.

Special Education Compensation

A special education salary depends on the location and type of school in which you choose to make your living. A public school position will offer a package complete with paid summer vacations and a pension. However, the details will depend upon the municipality and the type of school in which you teach. In general, suburban schools pay more than urban or inner-city schools, but it can be harder to find jobs in the higher paying districts.

Teachers holding special ed certificate endorsements don't generally make higher special education teacher salaries than those in traditional classrooms. Like other teachers, if you are seeking a position at the high end of the salary spectrum, you'll need to build up experience and earn an advanced degree, most likely in a specialized area of special ed. Administrators and curriculum coordinators tend to earn more than classroom teachers and aides, so if you want to eventually bring in a six-figure salary, you'll need to work toward an administration position.

Elementary School Special Ed

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2007 the median annual special education salary in elementary schools and preschools was $51,230. Although entry-level positions can start in the low 30s, the top 10 percent of special ed teachers earned more than $73,620.

Middle School Special Ed

During that same year, middle school special education teachers averaged a similar salary of about $51,610, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $80,170.

High School Special Ed

High school special education teachers earn a similar salary to middle school teachers. The average full-time special education teacher salary in 2007 was $53,020. However, the top 10 percent earned more than $78,020, which is almost twice as much as the average full-time worker.

Special Education Administration

Because administrative positions require advanced degrees, such as a master's or a doctorate, and a substantial amount of field experience, these positions pay more than classroom teaching. According to the BLS, elementary and secondary public school administrators earned a median salary of $80,580 in 2007, with the top 10 percent earning $117,740. For more information on school administration positions, see our School Leadership Information resource center.

Additional Special Education Salary Benefits

As you can see, special education salaries can be very respectable in the education field. Something else to keep in mind is that most classroom teaching positions come with the added benefit of lengthy summer vacations, during which you can travel or supplement your income with a summer job. Additionally, you can expect to enjoy winter and spring breaks, a pension plan, comprehensive health care and life insurance benefits, and supplemental pay for working with students in extracurricular activities.

Job Prospects

The BLS projects that more and more students will require special education, as learning disabilities continue to be identified at earlier ages. As the number of students who need special education services increase, so does the demand for special education teachers. In fact, the BLS calculates that the number of special education teaching positions will increase by 15 percent from 2006 to 2016. This increase in demand is aided by the retirement of current special education teachers. Many school districts are already experiencing special ed teacher shortages, so job prospects in the area are already proving strong.

Like other teacher salaries, a special education teacher salary depends on your degree, experience and job location. By researching your options and finding the career that's right for you, you can secure a well-paying and emotionally rewarding position.