Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Special education teachers in public schools are required to have a bachelor’s degree and a state-issued certification or license. Teachers in private schools typically need a bachelor’s degree but may not be required to have a state license or certification. PayThe median annual wage for special education teachers was $67,170 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of special education teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 37,100 openings for special education teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for special education teachers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of special education teachers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about special education teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for special education teachers was $67,170 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of special education teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 37,100 openings for special education teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for special education teachers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of special education teachers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about special education teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of special education teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 37,100 openings for special education teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for special education teachers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of special education teachers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about special education teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
Work Environment
Most special education teachers work in public schools, teaching students from preschool to high school. Many work the traditional 10-month school year, but some work year round.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers in public schools are required to have a bachelor’s degree and a state-issued certification or license. Teachers in private schools typically need a bachelor’s degree but may not be required to have a state license or certification.
Pay
The median annual wage for special education teachers was $67,170 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of special education teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 37,100 openings for special education teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for special education teachers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of special education teachers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about special education teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most special education teachers work in public schools, teaching students from preschool to high school. Many work the traditional 10-month school year, but some work year round.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers in public schools are required to have a bachelor’s degree and a state-issued certification or license. Teachers in private schools typically need a bachelor’s degree but may not be required to have a state license or certification.
Pay
The median annual wage for special education teachers was $67,170 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of special education teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 37,100 openings for special education teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for special education teachers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of special education teachers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about special education teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for special education teachers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of special education teachers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about special education teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about special education teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.