Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
O*NET 25-2056.00 · SOC 25-2056
Special Education Teacher is a risky career choice. Median pay is $65k a year with -0.4% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 16,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Modify grade-level curriculum to meet each student's IEP goals.
- →Teach reading and math using specialized instructional strategies.
- →Coordinate with general education teachers to support inclusion students.
- →Track student progress toward IEP benchmarks and adjust instruction.
- →Conduct IEP meetings with parents, administrators, and support staff.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Special Education Teacher roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing — clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative — frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Special Education Teacher involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Special Education Teacher?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Special Education Teacher Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Special Education Teachers, Elementary School is projected to decline 0.4% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·46% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace
- ·30% creative/strategic tasks — AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Special Education Teacher make?
The median Special Education Teacher earns $65k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Special Education Teacher jobs?
Our model puts Special Education Teacher at 23 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk — AI-resistant. The main drivers: 46% social/interpersonal tasks — hard for AI to replace; 30% creative/strategic tasks — AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Special Education Teacher a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 0.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 16,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Special Education Teacher?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Special Education Teacher roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Special Education Teacher?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Special Education Teacher career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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