How Much Does a Special Educator Make in California?

Updated March 01, 2025
As of March 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Special Educator in California is $70,006. While Salary.com is seeing that Special Educator salary in CA can go up to $108,571 or down to $39,089, but most earn between $53,823 and $90,192. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Special Educator
Special Needs Educator
$42,318
California
Per Year
Middle School Special Educator
$72,773
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Early Childhood Special Educator
$72,773
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Educator
$66,588
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Similar Job Salaries to Special Educator by Company

FIND A SPECIFIC EMPLOYER
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Company average base salary in (usd) range
STERLING MEDICAL ASSOCIATES
Early Childhood Special educator
$68,402/yr
$57,517
$79,288
RANGE: $57,517 - $79,288
Tutor Me Education
Special Needs Educator
$79,338/yr
$58,284
$100,393
RANGE: $58,284 - $100,393
Vallejo City Unified School District
Para Educator - Special Education - Various Sites #Tbd
$82,938/yr
$73,366
$92,511
RANGE: $73,366 - $92,511
Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary
Substitute Special Education Para Educator - District Wide
$62,637/yr
$47,504
$77,769
RANGE: $47,504 - $77,769

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Special Educator Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Special Educator can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Special Educator job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Special Educator jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Special Educator positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Special Educator salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Special Educator salary is $79,653 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Special Educator salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Special Educator in California is $70,006, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Special Educator jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Special Educator jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $79,653 $6,638 $1,532 $38
Santa Clara $79,653 $6,638 $1,532 $38
Fremont $79,526 $6,627 $1,529 $38
San Francisco $79,336 $6,611 $1,526 $38
Daly City $79,336 $6,611 $1,526 $38
Berkeley $77,432 $6,453 $1,489 $37
Oakland $77,432 $6,453 $1,489 $37
Hayward $77,305 $6,442 $1,487 $37
Antioch $73,116 $6,093 $1,406 $35
Vallejo $71,402 $5,950 $1,373 $34

What Does a Special Educator Do?

Special educators provide a continuum of services, in which students with various disabilities receive multiple degrees of support based on their individual needs.
Updated December 13, 2021
Along this same line, it might be helpful to have a communication plan, which is meant to help families and special educators more effectively communicate with each other.
Updated December 12, 2021
Special education teachers help general educators adapt curriculum materials and teaching techniques to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
Updated December 09, 2021
There are many key points that special educators need to be aware of when they interact with the parents of their students with disabilities.
Updated December 04, 2021
Several of the readings this week have included the extreme importance of the parent/family’s role in education and showed how the special educator can provide resources to parents, helping them advocate for their child and be empowered.
Updated December 03, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Special Educator Salaries

What is the average of a Special Educator in California?

The Special Educator salary range is from $53,823 to $90,192, and the average Special Educator salary is $70,006/year in California. The Special Educator's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Special Educator salary in the United States?

The Special Educator salary in San Jose, CA is $79,653 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Special Educator's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Special Educator.

What is the growth rate of the Special Educator's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Special Educator or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Special Educator.