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Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Special Education Teachers, Middle School make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$101,530
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.3% vs 2024
$99,830
Mean Salary
$101,530
Median Salary
$48.81
Hourly Rate
4,860 people work as Special Education Teachers, Middle School in California

Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Special Education Teachers, Middle School in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $68,110$68,11025th25% earn less than $80,550$80,550MedianHalf earn more than $101,530$101,53075th75% earn less than $120,550$120,55090thTop 10% earn more than $127,720$127,720

Special Education Teachers, Middle School in California earn a median salary of $101,530 per year ($8,460/month). This is 47.6% above the national average of $68,792. California ranks #1 out of 51 states for Special Education Teachers, Middle School pay. Approximately 4,860 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 2.3% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Special Education Teachers, Middle School

Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

Top Skills

Speaking
4.12
Instructing
4.12
Active Listening
4.0
Active Learning
4.0
Learning Strategies
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Education and Training
4.77
English Language
4.75
Psychology
3.95
Customer and Personal Service
3.58
Mathematics
3.55
Typical Education: Master's Degree (47.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Special Education Teachers, Middle School in California

Salaries for Special Education Teachers, Middle School in California range from $68,110 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $127,720 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $80,550 and $120,550.

Median $101,530
P10: $68,110 P25: $80,550 P75: $120,550 P90: $127,720
10th
$68,110
25th
$80,550
Median
$101,530
75th
$120,550
90th
$127,720
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $68,110 $32.75 $5,675
25th Percentile $80,550 $38.73 $6,712
Median (50th) $101,530 $48.81 $8,460
75th Percentile $120,550 $57.96 $10,045
90th Percentile (Experienced) $127,720 $61.40 $10,643

Note: The mean (average) salary of $99,830 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#1
California ranks #1 of 51 states
$68,792
National avg. for Special Education Teachers, Middle School
+47.6%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Special Education Teachers, Middle School take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Special Education Teachers, Middle School Data in California

Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary by State

Compare Special Education Teachers, Middle School pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Special Education Teachers, Middle School make in California?
The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Middle School in California is $101,530 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $99,830.
What is the salary range for a Special Education Teachers, Middle School in California?
Salaries for Special Education Teachers, Middle School in California range from $68,110 at the 10th percentile to $127,720 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $80,550 and $120,550.
What is the starting salary for a Special Education Teachers, Middle School in California?
Entry-level Special Education Teachers, Middle School positions in California typically start around $68,110 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $80,550 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Special Education Teachers, Middle School in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 4,860 people are employed as Special Education Teachers, Middle School in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Special Education Teachers, Middle School in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Special Education Teachers, Middle School in California is approximately $48.81 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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