As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Special Education Counselor in the United States is $53,683 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Special Education Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Special Education Counselor'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Special Education Counselor'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 Counselor | $50,527 |
| Intermediate Level Special Education Counselor | $50,769 |
| Senior Level Special Education Counselor | $53,683 |
| Specialist Level Special Education Counselor | $56,486 |
| Expert Level Special Education Counselor | $56,686 |
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 Education Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.64% |
| CPR | 5.18% |
| Tutoring | 3.17% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Conflict Resolution
|
$57,440 |
7%
|
|
Project Management
|
$56,367 |
5%
|
|
Coordination
|
$56,367 |
5%
|
|
Budgeting
|
$56,367 |
5%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$56,367 |
5%
|
|
Analysis
|
$55,830 |
4%
|
For Special Education Counselor roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Business Services and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Special Education Counselor positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Special Education Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $69,787 | $34.0 | 30% |
| Healthcare | $59,051 | $28.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $59,051 | $28.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Special Education Counselors 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 a Special Education Counselor with a Bachelor's Degree is between $54,398 and $60,944).
Special Education Counselor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.6% |
| High School | 7.3% |
| Associates | 7.3% |
| Bachelors | 37.9% |
| Masters | 43.5% |
| Doctorate | 2.4% |
Understanding how a Special Education Counselor'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Special Education Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,684 in 2023 to around $53,479 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Special Education Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $54,684 |
| 2024 | $53,914 |
| 2025 | $53,479 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Business Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Special Education Counselor roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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.)
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