Have you ever considered working in special education? Perhaps you have a strong desire to work with students who have impairments or to improve their lives. Whatever your motivation, it’s critical to consider the pay for special education teachers while choosing your professional route. You might wonder, how much does a special needs teacher earn?
However, depending on where they work and their degree of experience, the salary for special education teachers can vary significantly. Special education teachers play a crucial role in assisting children with disabilities to learn and develop the skills they need to thrive. In this article, we’ll look at the wage range for special education instructors, the variables that may affect their income, and how you can work in this sector and enjoy a satisfying career while still making a good living. Are SPED teachers in demand? This question is also important to consider. So let’s explore the world of special education and discover what it offers!
What is a School Special Education Teacher’s Salary?
Teachers in special education are essential to the education and growth of individuals with disabilities. To guarantee that children with disabilities receive the best education possible, they are responsible for developing individualized education plans, modifying curricular materials, offering specialized training, and collaborating with other teachers and support staff. Nevertheless, despite the significance of their profession, special education instructors sometimes earn less than their general education counterparts.
Special Education Teacher SY 2020 Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in May 2020, special education instructors earned an average yearly salary of $61,420. This is a little more than all instructors’ $61,660 median pay. However, compensation might differ significantly depending on region, experience level, and the type of school.
For instance, special education teachers tend to make less money working in private institutions than in public ones. In 2018–19, the median annual wage for special education instructors in private schools was $44,150, whereas it was $56,760 in public schools, according to a report by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ).
Their experience level may also influence a special education teacher’s remuneration. The BLS reports that in May 2020, special education teachers with less than five years of experience made an average annual pay of $46,710, while those with more than twenty years of experience made an average annual compensation of $76,040.
When analyzing special education instructors’ salaries, location is also an essential component. Teachers in metropolitan areas typically make more money than those in rural areas. For instance, the NCTQ research states that in 2018–19, the median annual income for special education instructors in New York City was $74,830, whereas it was $54,550 in rural New York State.
Despite the difficulties and lesser pay, a career in special education teaching can be fulfilling. Many special education teachers claim to feel content with their jobs and positively influence their students’ lives. Furthermore, there are chances to progress in the industry, such as working toward becoming a special education coordinator or director.
It is still feasible to earn a comfortable living while significantly improving the lives of students with disabilities, even though the pay for special education teachers may not always be as high as that of other teaching professions. When evaluating potential salaries, it’s critical to consider factors like location, experience level, and school type. Still, ultimately, the choice to pursue a career in special education should be based on a passion for the work and a desire to impact students’ lives positively.
Teacher Special Education Salary by State
The special education teacher’s salary by state depends on the state in which they work. Special education teachers’ salaries can vary significantly. How much does a special ed teacher make per month? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual pay for special education instructors in the US was $61,420 as of May 2020. The median wage can, however, differ greatly between states.
Top 5 Best and Worst States in Salary for Special Education Teachers
According to the BLS, these are the top 5 states with the highest special education teacher median annual salary:
- New York – $81,410
- Connecticut – $78,560
- Alaska – $78,450
- California – $77,460
- District of Columbia – $77,390
On the other side, the top 5 states with the lowest special education teacher median annual income are listed below:
- South Dakota – $45,150
- Mississippi – $45,550
- Oklahoma – $45,940
- Montana – $47,090
- West Virginia – $47,200
It’s crucial to remember that the purchasing power of a special education teacher’s pay can also be impacted by the cost of living in each state. In contrast to a lower wage in a state with a lower cost of living, a higher pay in one with a higher cost of living may not always translate into a greater standard of life.
Special Education Teacher Hourly Wage
The special education teacher’s salary per hour can also vary depending on factors such as experience, level of education, location, and type of school or district. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for special education teachers as of May 2020 was $29.54.
However, the hourly pay for a special education teacher might differ greatly depending on the state and district in which they work. For instance, the BLS reports that the hourly rate for special education teachers in South Dakota was $21.71, whereas it was $39.13 in New York.
Many special education instructors may also be qualified for benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off in addition to their hourly pay. The value of these perks can significantly increase a teacher’s total package of benefits.
Contractual Special Education Teacher
It’s also important to remember that many special education teachers have 10-month contracts, which means they are only paid during the months when classes are in session. To have a more consistent income throughout the year, some teachers may divide their remuneration across 12 months.
The hourly wage for special education teachers can vary depending on factors such as cost of living, benefits, and the overall compensation package. Ultimately, the decision should be based on a passion for the work and a desire to impact students’ lives positively. A special education teacher’s salary with a master’s degree is also considered.
Special Education Teacher Salary vs. Regular Teacher Salary
In May 2020, the median yearly pay for special education teachers in the US was $61,420. However, this figure does not account for the variations in special education teachers’ work. Special education teachers may be entitled to higher salaries based on their specialized knowledge, smaller class sizes, more support staff, and additional compensation for working with students with more complicated needs. When assessing potential pay, it’s crucial to consider elements like the work demands, the class size, and the general demand. The choice should ultimately be driven by a love of the job and a desire to improve student’s lives.
Special Education Teacher Secondary Schools
Teachers in special education are crucial in ensuring that children with disabilities get the assistance and modifications they require to succeed in school. Although many people would consider special education for younger students, secondary schools also need special education teachers.
Special education teachers may work with secondary school children with various challenges, such as physical impairments, emotional and behavioral issues, and learning disabilities. They could work in various environments, such as self-contained classrooms, resource areas, and inclusive classrooms where children with disabilities are included alongside peers without impairments.
Many of the same responsibilities fall within the purview of special education teachers in secondary schools as in elementary schools. Individualized education plans (IEPs) that describe students’ needs, strengths, and objectives are created with the students. They also offer specialized training in subjects like reading, writing, and math and modify curriculum materials to match the particular requirements of their students.
One of the specific challenges of working as a special education teacher in a secondary school is the increasing emphasis on preparing students for post-secondary education and employment. Special education teachers must collaborate with students to help them acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in further education, career training, or the workforce. This may entail offering career guidance, instruction in employment skills, help with college applications, and financial aid.
Secondary school special education teachers, may collaborate with other teachers and support workers and work one-on-one with students. To ensure that children receive the help they require both inside and outside the classroom, they could participate in team meetings, collaborate with guidance counselors and school psychologists, and maintain regular contact with parents and guardians.
In conclusion, special education teachers in secondary schools are essential in ensuring that disabled students receive the instruction and assistance they require to achieve. Even though the job can be difficult, special education teachers have the chance to positively influence their students’ lives and assist them in achieving their objectives.
We hope you enjoyed today’s Salary for Special Education Teachers discussion.
About Us:
Jennifer Hanson is a dedicated and seasoned writer specializing in the field of special education. With a passion for advocating for the rights and needs of children with diverse learning abilities, Jennifer uses her pen to educate, inspire, and empower both educators and parents alike.