Special Education Teacher Salary in District of Columbia
Special Education Teachers in District of Columbia earn an average of $78,330 per year across 1 metro area. This is +17.6% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$78,330
per year
Hourly Rate
$37.66
per hour
vs National
+17.6%
$66,620 national
Salary Range
$51,466
to $115,122
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$78,330
Cost of Living Index
153
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$51,196
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for District of Columbia's cost of living (above average), a Special Education Teacher's salary of $78,330 has the purchasing power of $51,196 in an average-cost area.
Special Education Teacher Salary by City in District of Columbia
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $78,330 | $37.66/hr | $51,466 | $115,122 | 683 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
District of Columbia vs National Average
Special Education Teacher Salary Comparison
Employment in District of Columbia
There are approximately 683 Special Education Teachers employed across 1 metro area in District of Columbia.
Key Industries: Federal Government, Legal Services, Professional Services
State Income Tax: 4% - 10.75%
Special Education Teacher Salary Range in District of Columbia
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$51,466
Starting salary for new Special Education Teachers
Median (50th Percentile)
$78,330
Mid-career Special Education Teacher salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$115,122
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in District of Columbia
Business Professor
$118,439
avg in DC
+$40,109 vs Special Education Teacher
Instructional Coordinator
$83,801
avg in DC
+$5,471 vs Special Education Teacher
Secondary School Teacher
$77,228
avg in DC
-$1,102 vs Special Education Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
$73,620
avg in DC
-$4,710 vs Special Education Teacher
Preschool Teacher
$44,154
avg in DC
-$34,176 vs Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teacher Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Special Education Teacher salaries in District of Columbia with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Special Education Teacher Data
More District of Columbia Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Special Education Teacher salary in District of Columbia?
The average Special Education Teacher salary in District of Columbia is $78,330 per year ($37.66/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 17.6% above the national average of $66,620.
What is the highest paying city for Special Education Teachers in District of Columbia?
Washington, DC is the highest paying city for Special Education Teachers in District of Columbia, with a median salary of $78,330 per year.
What is the salary range for Special Education Teachers in District of Columbia?
Special Education Teacher salaries in District of Columbia range from $51,466 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $115,122 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $78,330 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 District of Columbia. 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.