Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary in 2026
How Much Do Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools Make?
Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools earn a median annual salary of $64,880 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $48,070 at the 10th percentile to $102,730 at the 90th percentile — a range of $54,660. The highest-paying state is California at $99,270.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,070 |
| 25th percentile | $58,590 |
| Median (50th) | $64,880 |
| 75th percentile | $81,940 |
| 90th percentile | $102,730 |
Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Californiatop | $99,270 |
| Washington | $95,440 |
| New York | $91,280 |
| Rhode Island | $89,840 |
| Massachusetts | $85,020 |
| Connecticut | $83,010 |
| Oregon | $78,360 |
| Alaska | $78,000 |
| District of Columbia | $77,750 |
| Pennsylvania | $77,610 |
| New Jersey | $77,500 |
| Maryland | $76,550 |
| New Mexico | $75,940 |
| Delaware | $74,740 |
| Utah | $73,640 |
| Illinois | $71,790 |
| Ohio | $71,320 |
| Maine | $68,860 |
| Georgia | $67,710 |
| Montana | $63,990 |
| Virginia | $63,730 |
| Nebraska | $63,020 |
| Colorado | $62,680 |
| Wisconsin | $61,990 |
| Texas | $61,920 |
| Michigan | $61,760 |
| Wyoming | $61,760 |
| New Hampshire | $61,730 |
| Minnesota | $60,940 |
| South Carolina | $60,910 |
| Alabama | $60,760 |
| Vermont | $59,620 |
| Arizona | $59,610 |
| Iowa | $59,490 |
| Florida | $59,410 |
| North Dakota | $59,340 |
| North Carolina | $58,000 |
| Hawaii | $57,860 |
| Kansas | $57,620 |
| Idaho | $57,580 |
| Indiana | $56,730 |
| Tennessee | $55,510 |
| Kentucky | $54,430 |
| Louisiana | $54,060 |
| Arkansas | $53,660 |
| Missouri | $53,410 |
| Nevada | $51,430 |
| Oklahoma | $49,970 |
| Mississippi | $49,760 |
| South Dakota | $49,330 |
| West Virginia | $47,050 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools
Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$48,070 – $58,590 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$64,880 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$81,940 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $102,730+ |
How to Earn More as a Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA earn $107,110 — $42,230 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($81,940) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Special Education Teachers, Middle Schoolthis career | $64,880 |
| School Psychologist | $86,930 |
| Education Teacher | $72,090 |
| Preschool Teacher | $37,120 |
| Kindergarten Teacher | $61,430 |
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SOC: 25-2057.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.