As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an University Instructor - Special Education in the United States is $59,840 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, an University Instructor - Special Education's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
University Instructor - Special Education Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $67,900 | $5,658 | $1,306 | $33 |
| Average | $59,840 | $4,987 | $1,151 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,760 | $4,313 | $995 | $25 |
An University Instructor - Special Education's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 12.82% |
| Spring | 1.97% |
| Safety Standards | 1.43% |
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 an University Instructor - Special Education's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Analysis | $64,029 | |
| Computer Science | $64,029 | |
| Programming | $62,832 |
University 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 $61,768. While startup companies pay approximate $52,792.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $52,792 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $55,700 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $59,781 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $61,768 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many University 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 an University Instructor - Special Education with a Bachelor's Degree is between $54,562 and $59,916).
| Typical Education for University 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% |
Understanding how an University 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $67,900 | $5,658 | $1,306 | $33 |
| Average | $59,840 | $4,987 | $1,151 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,760 | $4,313 | $995 | $25 |
Next Role
Advancement
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an University 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.
| 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% |
Salaries for an University 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 University Instructor - Special Education salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $55,867 |
| 2024 | $55,153 |
| 2025 | $53,962 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The highest salary for a Special Education Teacher is $71,330, based on the salary data for University Instructors in this field. The minimum salary is $49,910, while the mid-range salary is $58,630. This reflects the varying levels of experience and qualifications within the profession.
The estimated salary range for a University Instructor in Special Education is between $49,910 and $71,330 per year, with a mid-salary of $58,630. This includes base salary and potential additional compensation.
To become a professor of special education, it's essential to earn a Ph.D. or Ed.D., as most institutions prefer candidates with advanced degrees. Salaries for university instructors in this field range from $49,910 to $71,330, with a median salary of $58,630. Gaining experience in teaching and research will also enhance your qualifications.
The highest-paid university professors typically work in specialized fields. For instance, university instructors in Special Education earn between $49,910 and $71,330, with a median salary of $58,630. While this is lower than some fields like law or health specialties, it reflects the important role of educators in shaping future generations.
University instructors in special education earn a salary range from $49,910 to $71,330, with a median salary of $58,630. While this may be lower than the average for all university professors, it reflects the specific demands and funding of the special education field. Overall, compensation can vary significantly based on experience and institution.
Many two-year schools only require instructors to have a master's degree for teaching introductory courses, while some four-year institutions accept these instructors on a part-time basis. However, most four-year institutions require a research or professional doctorate in the field you intend to teach. Salaries for University Instructors in Special Education range from $49,910 to $71,330, with a median of $58,630.
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