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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Special Ed Teacher in North Carolina is $51,095 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Special Ed Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Special Ed Teacher Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $57,574 | $4,798 | $1,107 | $28 |
| Average | $51,095 | $4,258 | $983 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,613 | $3,634 | $839 | $21 |
ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education - Mineral Springs, NC
AB Staffing Solutions - Waynesville, NC
ACCEL Schools - Asheville, NC
Premier Services of Carolina, Inc. - Albemarle, NC
A Special Ed Teacher'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 Teacher'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 Teacher | $48,092 |
| Intermediate Level Special Ed Teacher | $48,666 |
| Senior Level Special Ed Teacher | $51,095 |
| Specialist Level Special Ed Teacher | $53,000 |
| Expert Level Special Ed Teacher | $53,477 |
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 Teachers. 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 Ed Teacher 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 Ed Teacher positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Special Ed Teacher as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $66,423 | $32.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Special Ed Teacher'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 | $57,574 | $4,798 | $1,107 | $28 |
| Average | $51,095 | $4,258 | $983 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,613 | $3,634 | $839 | $21 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Special Ed Teacher job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
ACCEL Schools
Durham, NC
ACCEL Schools | Durham, NC
Job Description. Job Description. About the Team. Mountain Community Online School is a tuition-free, public online charter school serving North Carolina s... more
4 Days Ago
ACCEL Schools
Highlands, NC
ACCEL Schools | Highlands, NC
Job Description. Job Description. About the Team. Mountain Community Online School is a tuition-free, public online charter school serving North Carolina s... more
4 Days Ago
Maureen Joy Charter School
Durham, NC
Maureen Joy Charter School | Durham, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Thank you for your interest in joining our Maureen Joy Charter School family. We look forward to receiving your applicati... more
4 Days Ago
ACCEL Schools
Charlotte, NC
ACCEL Schools | Charlotte, NC
Job Description. Job Description. About the Team. Mountain Community Online School is a tuition-free, public online charter school serving North Carolina s... more
4 Days Ago
Allied OneSource
Waynesville, NC
Allied OneSource | Waynesville, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Pay. $40.00 - $52.50 per hour. Job description. School Based Special Education Teacher (K–12). Location. Waynesville, NC.... more
4 Days Ago
Pediatric Developmental Services
Garner, NC
Pediatric Developmental Services | Garner, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Pediatric Developmental Services (PDS) is seeking to hire a full-time Special Education Aide. Are you passionate about he... more
5 Days Ago
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