Special Education Teachers, Preschool Salary — US State Breakdown (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · Last updated: 2026-09-02
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 25-2051As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
US Salary Overview
The national median wage for special education teachers, preschool in the United States is $64,830 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 30,000 people are employed in this occupation nationally. UK data is not available for this occupation — the UK's SOC 2020 classification has no direct equivalent. Signing an offer? Employment contract templates at LawDepot cover offer letters, NDAs and employment agreements.
US Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $45,620 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $52,210 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $64,830 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $91,660 | Experienced |
| 90th | $130,040 | Senior / highest decile |
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Start $1 Trial →Median Salary by State
| State | Median salary | Mean salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $99,070 | $94,860 | 710 |
| New Jersey | $92,060 | $96,730 | 2,000 |
| Connecticut | $87,960 | $86,680 | 380 |
| Washington | $86,580 | $91,660 | 820 |
| Maryland | $85,010 | $89,650 | 70 |
| Pennsylvania | $83,510 | $84,680 | 490 |
| Alaska | $80,390 | $78,420 | 110 |
| Vermont | $79,000 | $77,290 | 70 |
| Colorado | $78,040 | $77,160 | 810 |
| Virginia | $77,570 | $79,490 | 650 |
| Oregon | $77,490 | $81,540 | 400 |
| Minnesota | $75,880 | $72,260 | 1,000 |
| Michigan | $75,860 | $75,760 | 430 |
| Hawaii | $75,120 | $72,660 | 230 |
| Georgia | $72,310 | $73,350 | 380 |
| New York | $68,180 | $95,570 | 6,000 |
| New Mexico | $66,010 | $65,620 | 270 |
| Texas | $65,680 | $68,700 | 2,000 |
| Iowa | $63,540 | $61,470 | — |
| Nebraska | $62,760 | $61,320 | 80 |
| Illinois | $62,580 | $67,490 | 1,000 |
| Missouri | $62,250 | $73,630 | 940 |
| New Hampshire | $61,720 | $63,950 | 80 |
| Wisconsin | $60,870 | $62,540 | 240 |
| Ohio | $60,700 | $68,960 | 1,000 |
| Maine | $60,680 | $60,130 | 40 |
| North Carolina | $60,180 | $59,310 | 640 |
| Arizona | $60,130 | $61,160 | 330 |
| North Dakota | $60,060 | $63,130 | 50 |
| South Carolina | $59,800 | $55,440 | 170 |
| California | $59,550 | $69,930 | 3,000 |
| Tennessee | $59,550 | $59,100 | 330 |
| Rhode Island | $59,310 | $65,620 | 120 |
| Delaware | $59,250 | $57,660 | 100 |
| Kansas | $59,220 | $58,350 | 350 |
| Florida | $58,240 | $61,580 | 1,000 |
| Utah | $58,230 | $66,570 | 110 |
| Louisiana | $56,890 | $55,140 | 960 |
| Kentucky | $54,220 | $51,050 | — |
| Mississippi | $52,420 | $54,350 | 110 |
| Wyoming | $52,100 | $53,400 | 80 |
| Oklahoma | $49,720 | $48,780 | 60 |
| Idaho | $49,610 | $54,790 | 180 |
| Indiana | $48,680 | $54,120 | 380 |
| Arkansas | $35,580 | $38,340 | 510 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a special education teachers, preschool in the US?
The US national median wage for special education teachers, preschool is $64,830 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
What is the pay range for special education teachers, preschool in the US?
Pay ranges from $45,620 at the 10th percentile to $130,040 at the 90th percentile. This difference typically reflects experience level, employer size, and location.
Which US states pay special education teachers, preschool the most?
The highest-paying states for special education teachers, preschool include Massachusetts ($99,070), New Jersey ($92,060), Connecticut ($87,960). Pay varies by state due to cost of living, local demand and industry concentration.
How much does special education teachers, preschool salary vary by state?
The gap between the highest- and lowest-paying states is significant — Massachusetts ($99,070) pays roughly 178% more than Arkansas ($35,580). Check the state breakdown above for the exact figure in your location.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-09-02