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Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Special Education Teachers, Secondary School make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$101,060
Median Annual Salary
▼
-0.2% vs 2024
$102,780
Mean Salary
$101,060
Median Salary
$48.59
Hourly Rate
12,100 people work as Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in California
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in California earn a median salary of $101,060 per year ($8,421/month).
This is 43.8% above the national average of $70,272.
California ranks #2 out of 51 states for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School pay.
Approximately 12,100 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries decreased by 0.2% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Teach academic, social, and life skills to secondary 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
Learning Strategies
4.12
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Writing
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Key Knowledge Areas
English Language
4.62
Education and Training
4.5
Computers and Electronics
3.97
Mathematics
3.89
Customer and Personal Service
3.8
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
(65.1% of workers)
Salary Range: Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in California
Salaries for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in California range from $63,390 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $131,600 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $79,740 and $123,840.
How much do Special Education Teachers, Secondary School make in California?
The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in California is $101,060 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $102,780.
What is the salary range for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in California?
Salaries for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in California range from $63,390 at the 10th percentile to $131,600 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $79,740 and $123,840.
What is the starting salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in California?
Entry-level Special Education Teachers, Secondary School positions in California typically start around $63,390 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $79,740 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 12,100 people are employed as Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in California is approximately $48.59 per hour.
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.
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