Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in California
Special Education Teachers, Middle School in California earn a median of $101,530 a year, based on BLS data for 4,860 workers.
Pay ranges from $68,110 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,720 for the top 10%. That is 52% higher than the national median of $66,810. California ranks 1st of 51 states for special education teachers, middle school pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.27 special education teachers, middle school per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.44). The average (mean) salary is $99,830, close to the median.
Pay range for special education teachers, middle school in California
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $68,110 |
| 25th percentile | $80,550 |
| Median | $101,530 |
| 75th percentile | $120,550 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $127,720 |
| Average (mean) | $99,830 |
Half of special education teachers, middle school earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $8,460.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,230.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,905 |
| Weekly | $1,952.50 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because special education teachers, middle school are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $101,530 salary, see how much house you can afford in California at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $121,070 | 360 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $110,850 | 350 |
| Fresno, CA | $104,540 | 80 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $103,580 | n/a |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $101,560 | 2,030 |
| Salinas, CA | $100,840 | 40 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $99,190 | 520 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $97,000 | n/a |
| Modesto, CA | $96,500 | n/a |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $82,290 | 150 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $79,310 | 260 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $78,290 | 180 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $73,630 | 30 |
Highest-paying states for special education teachers, middle school
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $101,530 |
| Washington | $99,520 |
| Rhode Island | $93,970 |
| New York | $93,820 |
| Connecticut | $92,900 |
| Massachusetts | $84,550 |
| Alaska | $81,000 |
| District of Columbia | $79,170 |
| New Jersey | $79,110 |
| Utah | $78,920 |
See Special Education Teachers, Middle School pay in every state.
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $99,650 | — |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $101,370 | — |
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $47,400 | $22.79 |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $98,950 | — |
| Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School | $97,170 | — |
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | $101,060 | — |
| Special Education Teachers, All Other | $103,050 | — |
| Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $82,550 | — |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $80,620 | — |
| Special Education Teachers, Preschool | $59,550 | — |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | $46,490 | — |
| Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | $60,300 | $28.99 |
| Self-Enrichment Teacher | $49,570 | $23.83 |
| Tutor | $45,100 | $21.69 |
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-2057. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a special education teachers, middle school make in California?
The median salary for special education teachers, middle school in California is $101,530 a year. Pay ranges from $68,110 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,720 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special education teachers, middle school make in California?
The top 10% of special education teachers, middle school in California earn at least $127,720 a year. The top 25% earn $120,550 or more.
What is the starting pay for special education teachers, middle school in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $68,110 a year, and a quarter of special education teachers, middle school earn $80,550 or less.
How many special education teachers, middle school work in California?
About 4,860 special education teachers, middle school are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.