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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Special Education in California is $58,910 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Special Education's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Special Education Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $66,091 | $5,508 | $1,271 | $32 |
| Average | $58,910 | $4,909 | $1,133 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,176 | $4,098 | $946 | $24 |
Odyssey Charter Schools - Altadena, CA
Odyssey Charter Schools - Altadena, CA
Muroc Joint Unified - Edwards, CA
Tutor Me Education - Palo Alto, CA
A 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Special Education | $56,612 |
| Intermediate Level Special Education | $57,288 |
| Senior Level Special Education | $60,147 |
| Specialist Level Special Education | $62,390 |
| Expert Level Special Education | $62,951 |
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 Educations. 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:
For Special Education roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Special Education positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Special Education as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $76,583 | $37.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a 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 | $66,091 | $5,508 | $1,271 | $32 |
| Average | $58,910 | $4,909 | $1,133 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,176 | $4,098 | $946 | $24 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Special Education job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District
Fairfield, CA
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Madera, CA
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Bedford County Schools
Santa Ana, CA
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Job Description. Job Description. The State does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religious preference, marital ... more
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Dublin Unified School District
Dublin, CA
Dublin Unified School District | Dublin, CA
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Bedford County Schools
Los Angeles, CA
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Celebrations Speech Group Inc.
Oakland, CA
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