Key takeaways
- Special education teachers earned a median $67,170 in May 2025 (BLS), with secondary-school special ed teachers at $74,260.
- 45 states reported special education as a teacher shortage area for 2024–25, more than any other teaching field (Learning Policy Institute analysis of U.S. Department of Education data).
- Recent special ed grads had just 0.7% unemployment and 16.0% underemployment in New York Fed data, among the lowest of any major.
- Pay is modest, so keep borrowing low: our calculator shows the default $50,000 loan does not pay off on wages alone.
Special education is one of the clearest examples of a major that leads directly to a job. Graduates earn a state teaching license and work with students who need individualized support, writing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), adapting lessons and partnering with families.
The work is meaningful and in demand, but it is not a high-salary path, so families should go in with realistic numbers. Below we cover the jobs, the pay, the shortage data, and how to keep the degree affordable. For broader teaching options, see what you can do with an education degree.
What jobs can you get with a special education degree?
Most graduates become licensed special education teachers in preschool, elementary, middle or high schools. Others work as early-intervention specialists, behavior or inclusion specialists, instructional coordinators, school counselors or principals, often after a master's. BLS reports special education teachers earned a median $67,170 in May 2025.
Pay below is the national median (the middle wage) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, the newest release. Our calculator and Continuum use a different series, so their numbers won't match exactly.
1. Special Education Teacher, Elementary
Teaches and adapts lessons for students with disabilities, often in small groups or inclusive classrooms. BLS kindergarten and elementary: median $65,120.
2. Special Education Teacher, Middle or High School
Supports students in core subjects and prepares them for life after school. BLS medians: middle school $66,810, secondary $74,260.
3. Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Works with preschoolers, sometimes in family homes. BLS preschool special education teachers: median $64,830.
4. Behavior or Inclusion Specialist
Designs behavior plans and helps general-ed teachers include students with disabilities. Usually requires teaching experience and sometimes a master's.
5. Instructional Coordinator
Develops curriculum and coaches teachers. BLS: median $77,440; usually a master's.
6. School Counselor
Supports students' academic and emotional needs. BLS educational, guidance and career counselors: median $64,330; requires a master's.
7. Speech-Language Pathologist
Treats communication disorders, a popular next step for special ed grads. BLS: median $97,870; requires a master's.
8. Rehabilitation Counselor
Helps people with disabilities live and work independently. BLS: median $46,850.
9. Principal or Special Education Director
Leads a school or district program. BLS K–12 education administrators: median $105,870; requires a master's and experience.
How much do special education teachers make?
BLS reports a median of $67,170 for special education teachers in May 2025. By level, medians were $64,830 for preschool, $65,120 for kindergarten and elementary, $66,810 for middle school and $74,260 for secondary school. Pay depends heavily on the state and district salary schedule.
| Career | Median pay | Middle 50% range | Typical entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation counselor | $46,850 | $38,770–$59,260 | Master's |
| Elementary teacher (general education) | $63,970 | $57,710–$81,450 | Bachelor's + license |
| School counselor | $64,330 | $51,270–$82,870 | Master's |
| Special ed teacher, preschool | $64,830 | $52,210–$91,660 | Bachelor's + license |
| Special ed teacher, K–elementary | $65,120 | $59,710–$80,280 | Bachelor's + license |
| Special ed teacher, middle school | $66,810 | $60,000–$82,800 | Bachelor's + license |
| Special ed teacher, secondary | $74,260 | $60,180–$93,730 | Bachelor's + license |
| Instructional coordinator | $77,440 | $60,780–$98,820 | Master's |
| Speech-language pathologist | $97,870 | $77,730–$114,570 | Master's |
| K–12 education administrator | $105,870 | $86,040–$134,630 | Master's + experience |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 national estimates. The middle 50% is the 25th to 75th percentile. Pay varies by state, employer and experience.
Is there a shortage of special education teachers?
Yes. For the 2024–25 school year, 45 states reported special education as a teacher shortage area, the most of any teaching field, according to the Learning Policy Institute's analysis of U.S. Department of Education data. A separate fall 2024 federal survey found 34% of public schools said special education teaching was understaffed.
BLS projects little change in the total number of special education jobs from 2025 to 2035, but still expects about 37,100 openings each year, mostly from teachers retiring or leaving the field. In practice, that combination means steady hiring, more bargaining power for licensed teachers, and in many states loan-forgiveness or service-scholarship programs tied to shortage areas. The U.S. Department of Education's Teacher Shortage Areas database lets you look up your state.
Licensing works like this, per BLS: a bachelor's degree, a student-teaching program, a background check and state certification tests. Some states require a master's after hiring, and every state offers an alternative route for people who already have a bachelor's in another subject.
Is a special education degree worth it?
It is worth it for students who want this work and keep costs low. Job security is excellent, with New York Fed data showing 0.7% unemployment for recent grads. But pay is modest, so the financial return depends on borrowing little, using in-state tuition and taking advantage of shortage-area aid.
The New York Fed tracks how special education graduates actually fare, using Census survey data. Recent graduates (ages 22–27) had an unemployment rate of 0.7% and an underemployment rate of 16.0%, meaning that share worked in jobs that don't usually require a degree. Median pay was $46,000 early in their careers and $56,000 at mid-career (ages 35–45), and 61% of special education bachelor's holders also have a graduate degree.
MajorMatch's Special Education Loan vs Upside calculator uses Continuum wages of about $52,000 early-career and $72,000 mid-career, and compares them with a high-school baseline of about $51,700 a year that grows over time. On those illustrative defaults, lifetime earnings come out about -$191,674 versus the high-school path, before even counting a $68,129 loan repayment. That is a sobering number, and we'd rather you see it here than after graduation.
What changes the math: teacher pensions and benefits (not counted in the calculator), moving up a district salary schedule with a master's, public-service loan forgiveness and state teacher-loan programs, and choosing an affordable in-state program. Use the College Scorecard to compare costs, and see our college majors with the best ROI for context.
Will AI replace special education teachers?
Very unlikely. MajorMatch's AI-Proof Career Check rates special education teachers at 30% task exposure, one of the lower scores among the careers we track. AI may help with paperwork and lesson materials, but building trust with students, managing behavior and working with families are deeply human.
MajorMatch's AI-Proof Career Check (part of the assessment results) estimates what share of a job's tasks AI tools could significantly speed up or automate. It measures exposure, not a forecast of job loss. Special Education scores 39% overall. Teachers who learn assistive technology and AI tools for IEP paperwork may get time back for teaching, which is a welcome change in a job known for heavy documentation. For the bigger picture, see our guide to AI-proof college majors.
Is special education the right major for your teen?
It fits patient, creative, steady students who light up when a struggling kid finally gets it. Experience as a camp counselor, tutor, peer buddy or aide is a great test. BLS notes the work can be rewarding but also stressful and draining, so students should try it before committing.
Picture a student who… volunteers with a unified sports team, is the friend everyone calls when they are upset, and wants a job where every day matters. Special education could be a great fit, especially at an in-state school with a strong student-teaching placement. This is an illustrative scenario, not a real student.
Compare with psychology and social work, and take the assessment to see where Special Education ranks for your student.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do special education teachers make?
BLS reports a median of $67,170 in May 2025. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,230 and the top 10% more than $105,020.
Is there a demand for special education teachers?
Yes. 45 states reported special education shortages for 2024–25, and BLS expects about 37,100 openings each year through 2035.
What can you do with a special education degree besides teaching?
Early intervention, behavior and inclusion specialist roles, instructional coordination, school counseling, speech-language pathology and administration. Many require a master's.
Do special education teachers need a master's degree?
Not to start in most states. BLS says a bachelor's and state license are required, and some states require a master's after hiring.
Is a special education degree worth it financially?
Only if borrowing stays low. Our calculator's defaults show wages alone do not offset a $50,000 loan, but job security, benefits and loan-forgiveness programs can change the picture.