High School Teacher vs Special Education Teacher: which pays more?
High School Teachers earn about $0 more per year than special education teachers — roughly 0% higher at the national median. Here is how the two careers compare on pay, training, and outlook.
High School Teacher
$65,000
median per year
High school teachers prepare students for life after graduation by teaching academic lessons and skills.
Full high school teacher salary data →Special Education Teacher
$65,000
median per year
Special education teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities.
Full special education teacher salary data →Side-by-side breakdown
| Metric | High School Teacher | Special Education Teacher |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $65,000 | $65,000 |
| Median hourly pay | $31 | $31 |
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $48,000 | $48,000 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $102,000 | $100,000 |
| Education required | Bachelor's degree and teaching license; master's preferred in some states. | Bachelor's degree plus special education certification. |
| Job outlook | 1% growth through 2033 — stable but slow. | 3% growth through 2033 — persistent shortages. |
Pay by state
| State | High School Teacher | Special Education Teacher | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $92,000 | $76,500 | +$15,500 for High School Teacher |
| New York | $88,000 | $74,000 | +$14,000 for High School Teacher |
| Massachusetts | $86,000 | $73,500 | +$12,500 for High School Teacher |
| Washington | $82,000 | $73,000 | +$9,000 for High School Teacher |
| Illinois | $68,000 | $66,500 | +$1,500 for High School Teacher |
| Pennsylvania | $66,000 | $63,500 | +$2,500 for High School Teacher |
| Texas | $62,000 | $63,000 | −$1,000 for Special Education Teacher |
| Ohio | $62,000 | $61,000 | +$1,000 for High School Teacher |
| Florida | $56,000 | $60,000 | −$4,000 for Special Education Teacher |
Which career should you choose?
Pay is only one part of the decision. High School Teachers earn more on paper, but bachelor's degree and teaching license; master's preferred in some states. takes longer and costs more than bachelor's degree plus special education certification.. If you want to start earning sooner, special education teacher is usually the faster route. If long-term earning ceiling matters most, high school teacher tops out at $102,000 versus $100,000.
Job security also differs: high school teacher outlook is "1% growth through 2033 — stable but slow." while special education teacher outlook is "3% growth through 2033 — persistent shortages."