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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Special Ed Assistant in California is $38,740 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Special Ed Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Special Ed Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $41,369 | $3,447 | $796 | $20 |
| Average | $38,740 | $3,228 | $745 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,006 | $3,001 | $692 | $17 |
BlueCloud Staffing - Fremont, CA
BlueCloud Staffing - Sacramento, CA
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The Helix School - San Rafael, CA
A Special Ed Assistant'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Special Ed Assistant'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Special Ed Assistant | $39,120 |
| Intermediate Level Special Ed Assistant | $39,394 |
| Senior Level Special Ed Assistant | $40,024 |
| Specialist Level Special Ed Assistant | $40,150 |
| Expert Level Special Ed Assistant | $40,234 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Special Ed Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Understanding how a Special Ed Assistant'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 | $41,369 | $3,447 | $796 | $20 |
| Average | $38,740 | $3,228 | $745 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,006 | $3,001 | $692 | $17 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Special Ed Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Santa Clara Unified School District
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara Unified School District | Santa Clara, CA
Job Title. High-level header for the job title is missing in the provided HTML. Please provide the job title. Requirements / Qualifications. A valid Califo... more
6 Days Ago
City of San Bruno
San Bruno, CA
City of San Bruno | San Bruno, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Part-Time – Multiple Positions Available (10 to 20 Hours per Week). . The City of San Bruno Recreation and Aquatic Center... more
7 Days Ago
Mal house
Los Angeles, CA
Mal house | Los Angeles, CA
M.is a young man diagnosed with autism.His parents are looking for someone to support him at home and in the community (90034 area) You will be assisting M... more
3 Days Ago
Maury County Public Schools
Los Angeles, CA
Maury County Public Schools | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Qualifications:High. School Diploma or GEDSufficient experience so that with appropriate training, service may be provide... more
3 Days Ago
Roane County Schools
Baldwin Park, CA
Roane County Schools | Baldwin Park, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Educational Assistant - Special Education Qualifications:18 years of ageHigh school diploma or equivalent.Meets "Highly Q... more
3 Days Ago
The Creekside School
San Jose, CA
The Creekside School | San Jose, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About The Creekside School. The Creekside School is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children... more
3 Days Ago
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