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College Instructor - Special Education Salary in the United States

How much does a College Instructor - Special Education make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a College Instructor - Special Education in the United States is $59,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, a College Instructor - Special Education's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $75,375
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,800 to $68,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,425
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View as table View as graph 25% $51,800 10% $44,425 90% $75,375 75% $68,000 $59,900 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

College Instructor - Special Education Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $68,000 $5,667 $1,308 $33
Average $59,900 $4,992 $1,152 $29
25th Percentile $51,800 $4,317 $996 $25
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Key Factors That Influence College Instructor - Special Education Salaries

A College Instructor - Special Education's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects College Instructor - Special Education Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a College Instructor - Special Education's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • College Instructor - Special Education (0-0 years): $59,839
  • College Assistant Professor - Special Education (0-0 years): $68,144
  • College Associate Professor - Special Education (0-0 years): $83,322
  • College Professor - Special Education (0-0 years): $106,359
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
College Instructor - Special Education0-0 years$59,839
College Assistant Professor - Special Education0-0 years$68,144
College Associate Professor - Special Education0-0 years$83,322
College Professor - Special Education0-0 years$106,359
$59,839 College I...
$68,144 College A...
$83,322 College A...
$106,359 College P...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do College Instructor - Special Education Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract College Instructor - Special Educations. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $66,300.
  • California: $66,100.
  • Massachusetts: $65,200.

Top Paying Cities for College Instructor - Special Educations

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $75,500
  • San Francisco: $74,700
  • Oakland: $73,100

What Skills Can Increase a College Instructor - Special Education's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 12.82% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Spring (Mentioned in 1.97% Job Postings): Spring is the season during which the natural world revives and reinvigorates after the colder winter months. During spring, dormant plants begin to grow again, new seedlings sprout out of the ground and hibernating animals awake.
  • Safety Standards (Mentioned in 1.43% Job Postings): Safety standards are designed to ensure the safety of products, activities and processes, etc. They may be advisory or compulsory and are normally laid down by an advisory or regulatory body that may be either voluntary or statutory.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 12.82%
Spring 1.97%
Safety Standards 1.43%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a College Instructor - Special Education's salary.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Computer Science: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Programming: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Analysis
$64,093
7%
Computer Science
$64,093
7%
Programming
$62,895
5%
Safety Training
$62,296
4%
Collaboration
$62,296
4%
Customer Service
$61,697
3%
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College Instructor - Special Education Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

College Instructor - Special Education salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $61,817. While startup companies pay approximate $52,821.

College Instructor - Special Education Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$52,821
Growth Stage51~500$55,730
Established501~5000$59,843
Enterprise5000+$61,817

College Instructor - Special Education Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For College Instructor - Special Education roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 0% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, College Instructor - Special Education positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view College Instructor - Special Education as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a College Instructor - Special Education

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$65,890$32.010%

How Education impacts a College Instructor - Special Education's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many College Instructor - Special Educations enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a College Instructor - Special Education with a Bachelor's Degree is between $54,634 and $59,981).

College Instructor - Special Education Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for College Instructor - Special Education
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.4%
High School 4.7%
Associates 4.7%
Bachelors 31.8%
Masters 55.3%
Doctorate 1.2%
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College Instructor - Special Education Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a College Instructor - Special Education's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026

College Instructor - Special Education Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a College Instructor - Special Education, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

College Instructor - Special Education Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
College Assistant Professor - Architecture $72,300 21%
College Assistant Professor - Biology $71,100 19%
College Assistant Professor - Chemical Engineering $96,300 61%
College Assistant Professor - Civil Engineering $90,500 51%

Salary Trends for College Instructor - Special Education

Salaries for a College Instructor - Special Education can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,867 in 2023 to around $53,962 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of College Instructor - Special Education salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of College Instructor - Special Education Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$55,867
2024
$55,153
2025
$53,962
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $55,867
2024 $55,153
2025 $53,962
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for College Instructor - Special Education

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for College Instructor - Special Education

Here are companies hiring for College Instructor - Special Education and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next College Instructor - Special Education Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current College Instructor - Special Education job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
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FAQ about College Instructor - Special Education

1. What is the highest salary for a Special Education Teacher?

The highest salary for a Special Education Teacher is approximately $71,400, based on the provided salary data. The minimum salary is $50,000, while the mid-range salary is $58,700. This reflects the typical earnings for instructors in this field, highlighting the potential for growth in compensation.

2. How much does a special education professor make?

The salary range for a College Instructor - Special Education typically falls between $50,000 and $71,400 annually. The average salary is around $58,700. This reflects the compensation for educators specializing in special education, varying based on experience and location.

3. What is the best degree for working with special needs?

For careers working with special needs, degrees in Special Education, Social Work, Psychology, Speech-Language Pathology, and Orthotics and Prosthetics are excellent options. College instructors in Special Education can expect salaries ranging from $50,000 to $71,400, with a median salary of $58,700. These degrees provide essential skills for supporting individuals with disabilities.

4. What type of teacher gets paid the most?

Among the highest-paying education jobs, Special Education Teachers earn a competitive salary, with a range from $50,000 to $71,400. While positions like University Professors and School Principals may offer higher salaries, Special Education Teachers play a crucial role in supporting diverse learners, making their compensation noteworthy within the education sector.

5. Can you make money in special education?

Yes, you can make money in special education. College instructors in this field typically earn between $50,000 and $71,400 annually, with a median salary of around $58,700. With experience and the right qualifications, salaries can increase, reflecting the demand for skilled educators in this important area.

6. Is becoming a special ed teacher hard?

Becoming a special education teacher can be challenging, as it requires a bachelor's degree and specific credentials. California's programs are known for their rigor. However, the effort can be rewarding, with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $71,400, depending on experience and qualifications, making it a viable career choice for those passionate about helping students with special needs.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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