Special Education Teachers (Secondary School) Salary in California
Special Education Teachers (Secondary School) in California earn a median of $101,060 a year, +36% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $101,060
- vs. U.S. median
- +36% ($74,260)
- Rank among states
- 2 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 12,100
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $63,390; the top 10% earn over $131,600. Nationally the range is $49,800 to $109,100.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School$101,530 median in California
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$99,650 median in California
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$82,550 median in California
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$101,370 median in California
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool$59,550 median in California
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$102,030 median in California
Special Education Teachers (Secondary School) pay in California
How much do special education teachers (secondary school) make in California?
The median is $101,060 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $63,390 and the top 10% earn over $131,600. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for special education teachers (secondary school)?
On pay alone it ranks 2 of 51 (+36% vs. the national median of $74,260). Living costs are not included.