As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Special Needs Teacher Aide in the United States is $53,157 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Special Needs Teacher Aide's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Special Needs Teacher Aide'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 Needs Teacher Aide'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 Needs Teacher Aide | $50,066 |
| Intermediate Level Special Needs Teacher Aide | $50,653 |
| Senior Level Special Needs Teacher Aide | $53,157 |
| Specialist Level Special Needs Teacher Aide | $55,190 |
| Expert Level Special Needs Teacher Aide | $55,698 |
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 Needs Teacher Aides. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.08% |
| Child Development | 1.83% |
| Early Childhood Education | 1.59% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
LMS
|
$57,941 |
9%
|
|
Applied Behavior Analysis
|
$55,815 |
5%
|
|
Goal Oriented
|
$55,283 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$55,283 |
4%
|
|
Coaching
|
$54,752 |
3%
|
|
Initiative
|
$54,220 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Special Needs Teacher Aides 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 Needs Teacher Aide with a Bachelor's Degree is between $58,261 and $66,637).
Special Needs Teacher Aide Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 2.3% |
| Associates | 3.8% |
| Bachelors | 28.2% |
| Masters | 63.4% |
| Doctorate | 1.1% |
Understanding how a Special Needs Teacher Aide'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Special Needs Teacher Aide can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $53,560 in 2023 to around $52,380 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Special Needs Teacher Aide salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $53,560 |
| 2024 | $52,805 |
| 2025 | $52,380 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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