Special Education Teacher Salary in North Carolina
Special Education Teachers in North Carolina earn an average of $65,671 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +1.4% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$65,671
per year
Hourly Rate
$31.58
per hour
vs National
-1.4%
$66,620 national
Salary Range
$43,092
to $94,216
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$65,671
Cost of Living Index
96
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$68,407
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for North Carolina's cost of living (below average), a Special Education Teacher's salary of $65,671 has the purchasing power of $68,407 in an average-cost area.
Special Education Teacher Salary by City in North Carolina
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | $67,805 | $32.60/hr | $44,027 | $94,800 | 493 |
| Charlotte, NC | $63,537 | $30.55/hr | $42,157 | $93,632 | 491 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
North Carolina vs National Average
Special Education Teacher Salary Comparison
Employment in North Carolina
There are approximately 984 Special Education Teachers employed across 2 metro areas in North Carolina.
Key Industries: Banking & Finance, Technology, Biotechnology
State Income Tax: 4.5% flat rate
Special Education Teacher Salary Range in North Carolina
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$43,092
Starting salary for new Special Education Teachers
Median (50th Percentile)
$65,671
Mid-career Special Education Teacher salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$94,216
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in North Carolina
Business Professor
$100,263
avg in NC
+$34,592 vs Special Education Teacher
Instructional Coordinator
$75,803
avg in NC
+$10,132 vs Special Education Teacher
Secondary School Teacher
$64,219
avg in NC
-$1,452 vs Special Education Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
$63,700
avg in NC
-$1,971 vs Special Education Teacher
Preschool Teacher
$37,905
avg in NC
-$27,766 vs Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teacher Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Special Education Teacher salaries in North Carolina with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Special Education Teacher Data
More North Carolina Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Special Education Teacher salary in North Carolina?
The average Special Education Teacher salary in North Carolina is $65,671 per year ($31.58/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 1.4% below the national average of $66,620.
What is the highest paying city for Special Education Teachers in North Carolina?
Raleigh, NC is the highest paying city for Special Education Teachers in North Carolina, with a median salary of $67,805 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Charlotte, NC at $63,537.
What is the salary range for Special Education Teachers in North Carolina?
Special Education Teacher salaries in North Carolina range from $43,092 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $94,216 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $65,671 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 North Carolina. 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.