Special Education Teachers, Preschool Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for special education teachers, preschool in the United States was $64,830 (— per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $45,620 | — |
| 25th | $52,210 | — |
| Median | $64,830 | — |
| 75th | $91,660 | — |
| 90th | $130,040 | — |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 25-2051
- Total U.S. employment: 29,510
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
What this means
Pay spans a wide range: workers at the 10th percentile earn about $45,620, while those at the 90th percentile earn about $130,040 — a 2.9x gap between entry-level and top earners.
With approximately 29,510 special education teachers, preschool employed, this is a significant occupation in the labor market.
Special Education Teachers, Preschool Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $80,390 | — | +24.0% | 110 |
| Arizona | $60,130 | — | -7.2% | 330 |
| Arkansas | $35,580 | — | -45.1% | 510 |
| California | $59,550 | — | -8.1% | 2,510 |
| Colorado | $78,040 | — | +20.4% | 810 |
| Connecticut | $87,960 | — | +35.7% | 380 |
| Delaware | $59,250 | — | -8.6% | 100 |
| Florida | $58,240 | — | -10.2% | 1,370 |
| Georgia | $72,310 | — | +11.5% | 380 |
| Hawaii | $75,120 | — | +15.9% | 230 |
| Idaho | $49,610 | — | -23.5% | 180 |
| Illinois | $62,580 | — | -3.5% | 1,080 |
| Indiana | $48,680 | — | -24.9% | 380 |
| Iowa | $63,540 | — | -2.0% | 0 |
| Kansas | $59,220 | — | -8.7% | 350 |
| Kentucky | $54,220 | — | -16.4% | 0 |
| Louisiana | $56,890 | — | -12.2% | 960 |
| Maine | $60,680 | — | -6.4% | 40 |
| Maryland | $85,010 | — | +31.1% | 70 |
| Massachusetts | $99,070 | — | +52.8% | 710 |
| Michigan | $75,860 | — | +17.0% | 430 |
| Minnesota | $75,880 | — | +17.0% | 1,250 |
| Mississippi | $52,420 | — | -19.1% | 110 |
| Missouri | $62,250 | — | -4.0% | 940 |
| Nebraska | $62,760 | — | -3.2% | 80 |
| New Hampshire | $61,720 | — | -4.8% | 80 |
| New Jersey | $92,060 | — | +42.0% | 1,720 |
| New Mexico | $66,010 | — | +1.8% | 270 |
| New York | $68,180 | — | +5.2% | 6,220 |
| North Carolina | $60,180 | — | -7.2% | 640 |
| North Dakota | $60,060 | — | -7.4% | 50 |
| Ohio | $60,700 | — | -6.4% | 1,150 |
| Oklahoma | $49,720 | — | -23.3% | 60 |
| Oregon | $77,490 | — | +19.5% | 400 |
| Pennsylvania | $83,510 | — | +28.8% | 490 |
| Rhode Island | $59,310 | — | -8.5% | 120 |
| South Carolina | $59,800 | — | -7.8% | 170 |
| Tennessee | $59,550 | — | -8.1% | 330 |
| Texas | $65,680 | — | +1.3% | 2,010 |
| Utah | $58,230 | — | -10.2% | 110 |
| Vermont | $79,000 | — | +21.9% | 70 |
| Virginia | $77,570 | — | +19.7% | 650 |
| Washington | $86,580 | — | +33.5% | 820 |
| Wisconsin | $60,870 | — | -6.1% | 240 |
| Wyoming | $52,100 | — | -19.6% | 80 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Cashiers — $32,880/yr
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand — $40,240/yr
- Stockers and Order Fillers — $37,330/yr
- Customer Service Representatives — $44,770/yr
- Office Clerks, General — $45,010/yr
- Waiters and Waitresses — $35,230/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for special education teachers, preschool?
The median annual wage for special education teachers, preschool is $64,830 (— per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays special education teachers, preschool the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many special education teachers, preschool are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 29,510 special education teachers, preschool employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do special education teachers, preschool make per hour?
The median hourly wage is —. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.