Special Education Teacher Salary in California
Special Education Teachers in California earn an average of $77,362 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.1% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$77,362
per year
Hourly Rate
$37.19
per hour
vs National
+16.1%
$66,620 national
Salary Range
$50,209
to $111,716
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$77,362
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$54,480
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Special Education Teacher's salary of $77,362 has the purchasing power of $54,480 in an average-cost area.
Special Education Teacher Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $91,155 | $43.82/hr | $57,243 | $135,130 | 528 |
| San Francisco, CA | $89,563 | $43.06/hr | $59,619 | $128,187 | 653 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $75,062 | $36.09/hr | $48,274 | $105,476 | 704 |
| San Diego, CA | $72,268 | $34.74/hr | $48,490 | $104,017 | 432 |
| Sacramento, CA | $70,179 | $33.74/hr | $44,262 | $101,102 | 467 |
| Riverside, CA | $65,945 | $31.70/hr | $43,363 | $96,386 | 398 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Special Education Teacher Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 3,182 Special Education Teachers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Special Education Teacher Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$50,209
Starting salary for new Special Education Teachers
Median (50th Percentile)
$77,362
Mid-career Special Education Teacher salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$111,716
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Business Professor
$118,633
avg in CA
+$41,271 vs Special Education Teacher
Instructional Coordinator
$87,034
avg in CA
+$9,672 vs Special Education Teacher
Secondary School Teacher
$75,559
avg in CA
-$1,803 vs Special Education Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
$74,419
avg in CA
-$2,943 vs Special Education Teacher
Preschool Teacher
$44,171
avg in CA
-$33,191 vs Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teacher Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Special Education Teacher salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Special Education Teacher Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Special Education Teacher salary in California?
The average Special Education Teacher salary in California is $77,362 per year ($37.19/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.1% above the national average of $66,620.
What is the highest paying city for Special Education Teachers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Special Education Teachers in California, with a median salary of $91,155 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $65,945.
What is the salary range for Special Education Teachers in California?
Special Education Teacher salaries in California range from $50,209 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $111,716 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $77,362 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.