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University Instructor - Special Education Salary in the United States

How much does an University Instructor - Special Education make in the United States?

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $75,238
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,760 to $67,900
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,404

Key Factors That Influence University Instructor - Special Education Salaries

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.

How Do University 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 University Instructor - Special Educations. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $66,250.
  • California: $66,000.
  • Massachusetts: $65,120.

Top Paying Cities for University 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: $75,470
  • San Francisco: $74,640
  • Oakland: $73,070

What Skills Can Increase an University 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.
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 an University 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 $64,029
7%
Computer Science $64,029
7%
Programming $62,832
5%

University Instructor - Special Education Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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.

University Instructor - Special Education Salary by Company Size

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

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

For University 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, University Instructor - Special Education positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view University Instructor - Special Education as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an University Instructor - Special Education

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$65,824$32.010%

How Education impacts an University Instructor - Special Education's Salary?

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).

University Instructor - Special Education Salaries by Degree Level

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%

University Instructor - Special Education Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$51,760
Average $59,840/year
$67,900
$4,313
Average $4,987/month
$5,658
$995
Average $1,151/week
$1,306
$25
Average $29/hour
$33
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

University Instructor - Special Education Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

University 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%

Most common benefits for University Instructor - Special Education

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for University Instructor - Special Education

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

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FAQ about University Instructor - Special Education

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

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.

2. What is the salary of a Professor at Harvard University?

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.

3. How to become a professor of special education?

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.

4. What is the highest paid university professor?

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.

5. Do university professors get paid well?

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.

6. Do you need a PhD to be a Professor?

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.

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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