How to Become a Special Education Teacher
Teach academic, social, and life skills to elementary students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $65,120 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$65,120/yr
Job growth
-1%
Openings / yr
15,400
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- IEP Development
- Differentiated Instruction
- Learning Strategies
- Patience
- Collaboration
Helpful certifications
- State special education licensure
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- School Principal (K-12 Administrator)$105,870 median
- College Administrator (Postsecondary)$104,590 median
- School Psychologist$95,990 median
- Instructional Coordinator$77,440 median
- Teacher (Secondary Education)$72,040 median
- Librarian$68,270 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Special Education Teacher make?
The median pay for a Special Education Teacher is $65,120 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Special Education Teacher?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Special Education, Education, and Psychology.
Is Special Education Teacher a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about -1% over the decade, with roughly 15,400 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Special Education Teacher use most?
Common skills for this role are IEP Development, Differentiated Instruction, Learning Strategies, Patience, and Collaboration.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.