Jun 18, 2024

High Paying States for Special Education Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and Speech-Language Pathologists

In the field of education, professionals who work with special needs students play a vital role in ensuring that every child receives a quality education tailored to their unique requirements. Special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are integral to this mission. While the dedication to their work is often the primary driving force, whether you are a contract educator or in a traditional education role, there can be a wide range of financial compensation for these roles. Read on to explore the top paying states for these crucial educational professionals.

Special Education Teachers

Special education teachers provide specialized instruction to students with a variety of disabilities. Their role requires a unique blend of patience, creativity, and expertise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the average salary for special education teachers is $76,000. The following states offer the highest average salaries for special education teachers:

1. New York: Known for its high cost of living, New York compensates with competitive salaries for special education teachers. The average salary is $107,770 annually.
2. California: Another state with a high cost of living, California offers an average salary of around $90,790, with opportunities for higher earnings in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
3. Oregon: Special education teachers in Oregon earn an average of $90,450, reflecting the state’s commitment to quality education.
4. Massachusetts: With a strong emphasis on education, Massachusetts provides special education teachers with an average salary of approximately $88,380.
5. Washington: Special education teachers in Washington can expect competitive salaries averaging around $85,360.

Paraprofessionals

Paraprofessionals, also known as teacher assistants, play a critical supporting role in special education classrooms. They may assist teachers in instructional duties and provide additional support to students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean average salary for paraprofessionals in the United States as $36,430. The highest paying states for paraprofessionals include:

1. Washington: Washington offers generous salaries to paraprofessionals, averaging around $46,740 annually.
2. California: Paraprofessionals in California earn an average salary of around $45,080, reflecting the state’s higher cost of living.
3. Washington, D.C.: The capital offers paraprofessionals an average salary of around $44,720, aligning with the area’s higher living expenses.
4. Massachusetts: With an average salary of approximately $43,620, Massachusetts remains a top state for paraprofessional pay.
5. Connecticut: In Connecticut, paraprofessionals can expect to earn about $41,700, providing a solid wage for the supportive role they play.

Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs)

SLPs work with students who have speech, language, and communication disorders, playing a crucial role in their educational development. According to the BLS, the mean annual salary for SLPs nationwide is $92,630. The top paying states for SLPs are:

1. California: SLPs in California can earn an average salary of around $112,030, reflecting the state’s high demand and cost of living.
2. Washington D.C.: With an average salary of approximately $111,110, The District of Columbia is a lucrative area for speech language pathologists.
3. Colorado: SLPs in Colorado earn around $107,780 on average, making it one of the top-paying states in the field.
4. Hawaii: Despite its geographical challenges, Hawaii compensates well. SLPs in Hawaii average about $106,790 annually.
5. New Jersey: Offering competitive salaries, speech language pathologists in New Jersey can expect to earn an average salary of around $102,820.

For contract educators, or those traditionally employed, choosing a state to work in as a special education professional involves balancing various factors, including salary, cost of living, and personal preferences. For those committed to making a difference in the lives of special needs students, these top paying states provide not only financial rewards but also a supportive environment for professional growth and fulfillment.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of being a contract educator, read our blog post Creating a Better Work Life Balance as a Contract Educator. Browse Aequor’s open education positions on our job board, and get connected with one of our dedicated recruiters to discuss how being a contract educator may be beneficial for you this upcoming school year.

Share