The median annual wage of special education teachers was $53,220 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,580, and the top 10 percent earned more than $83,410.
The median annual wages for special education teachers by grade level in May 2010 were as follows:
Special education teachers generally work school hours when students are present. They may meet with parents, students, and other teachers before and after school. In the evenings and on weekends, they often spend time grading papers, completing paperwork, and preparing lessons.
Many work the traditional 10-month school year, with a 2-month break during the summer. Some teachers may teach during summer programs. Teachers in districts with a year-round schedule typically work 8 weeks in a row, are on break for 1 week, and have a 5-week midwinter break.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition