specialedcareers

The highest paying careers for special education professionals include Special Education Director ($95,000–$122,000), Board Certified Behavior Analyst ($74,000–$132,500), and Speech-Language Pathologist ($74,849–$95,410). These roles pay significantly more than classroom teaching, where the median salary is $64,270.

If you're looking to grow your income beyond the classroom, moving into leadership, specialist, or clinical roles is the clearest path. Here are 10 high-paying career paths for SPED professionals—and what it takes to land them.

Why Special Education Salaries Are Rising

The shortage is real. According to the Learning Policy Institute, 45 states reported special education teacher shortages in 2024-25. The National Center for Education Statistics found that 74% of schools struggle to fill SPED positions with fully certified teachers.

This supply-demand imbalance is pushing salaries up across the field—especially for specialists with advanced credentials. Schools need BCBAs, speech-language pathologists, and psychologists, and they're willing to pay for them.

Meanwhile, funding for inclusion initiatives continues to grow. The number of students served under IDEA increased from 6.4 million in 2012-13 to 7.5 million in 2022-23. More students means more demand for qualified professionals at every level.

10 High-Paying Career Paths

1. Special Education Director

Salary: $95,000–$122,000

Special education directors oversee all SPED programs within a school district. They manage budgets, ensure federal and state compliance, supervise staff, and set policy for how students with disabilities are served.

Requirements: Master's degree in special education or educational leadership, administrative certification, and typically 3-5 years of teaching experience. Many directors hold doctoral degrees.

Path to get there: Most directors start as teachers, move into coordinator roles, then advance to director positions after demonstrating leadership ability.

2. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Salary: $74,000–$132,500

BCBAs design and oversee behavior intervention programs for students with autism and other behavioral needs. They conduct functional behavior assessments, create behavior intervention plans, and train teachers and paraprofessionals.

The average school district BCBA earns $89,075 annually, according to ZipRecruiter. Top earners exceed $130,000.

Requirements: Master's degree in behavior analysis or related field, 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork, and passing the BCBA certification exam.

Why it pays well: BCBA certification is rigorous, and demand far outpaces supply. Job growth for behavior analysts is projected at 22%—far higher than most education roles.

3. Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Salary: $74,849–$95,410

SLPs address communication disorders including articulation, language processing, fluency, and voice. In schools, they work with students on IEPs who have speech or language goals.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $95,410 for all SLPs. School-based SLPs earn a median of $74,849 for 9-10 month contracts, according to ASHA survey data. California SLPs average over $109,000.

Requirements: Master's degree in speech-language pathology, Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP), and state licensure.

Job outlook: Employment is projected to grow 15% through 2034—much faster than average.

4. School Psychologist

Salary: $84,940 average

School psychologists conduct cognitive and psychological assessments, support IEP teams, and help students with mental health needs. They're essential for determining eligibility for special education services.

Requirements: Specialist degree (Ed.S.) or doctorate in school psychology, plus state certification. This typically requires 60+ graduate credits and a year-long internship.

5. Educational Diagnostician

Salary: $80,000–$110,000

Diagnosticians evaluate students for learning differences and disabilities. They administer assessments, interpret results, and write reports that guide IEP development.

Requirements: Master's degree in educational diagnostics or special education, plus state certification. Some states require teaching experience.

6. School-Based Occupational Therapist

Salary: $93,000–$110,000

OTs help students develop fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living skills. They work with students who have physical, developmental, or sensory disabilities.

According to Salary.com, the average school OT earns $110,050. Top metros like San Jose exceed $185,000.

Requirements: Master's degree in occupational therapy, passing the NBCOT exam, and state licensure.

7. Special Education Coordinator

Salary: $75,000–$95,000

Coordinators ensure IEP compliance, support teachers with curriculum adaptation, and serve as the bridge between parents, teachers, and administrators. They manage the logistics of special education at the building or district level.

Requirements: Master's degree in special education, teaching experience, and sometimes administrative certification.

8. Assistive Technology Specialist

Salary: $80,000–$100,000

These specialists evaluate students' technology needs and implement solutions—AAC devices, text-to-speech software, adaptive keyboards, and more. As schools adopt more technology, demand for this niche expertise is growing.

Requirements: Background in special education or related field, plus specialized training in assistive technology. Some hold ATP (Assistive Technology Professional) certification.

9. Special Education Consultant

Salary: $75,000–$120,000+ (or $100–$200/hour independent)

Consultants advise schools, districts, or families on best practices for serving students with disabilities. They may specialize in areas like autism programming, behavior support, or compliance.

Independent consultants can earn significantly more—$100 to $200 per hour—though income varies with client base.

Requirements: Extensive experience in special education, often a master's degree, and a strong professional reputation.

10. Transition Specialist

Salary: $65,000–$85,000

Transition specialists prepare students with disabilities for life after high school—employment, independent living, and post-secondary education. They coordinate with vocational rehabilitation, employers, and community agencies.

Requirements: Bachelor's or master's degree in special education, transition, or rehabilitation counseling.

Highest Paying States for Special Education

Location matters. Here's where special education professionals earn the most:

State	Avg. SPED Teacher Salary	Notes
New York	$94,000	Highest in nation
Oregon	$90,600	Strong union presence
California	$89,560	High demand, high COL
Washington	$89,140	Growing tech economy
District of Columbia	$85,040	Federal proximity

For a detailed breakdown, see our special education teacher salary by state guide.

Keep in mind: high salaries often come with higher cost of living. A $94,000 salary in New York City doesn't stretch as far as $75,000 in Texas.

How to Advance to Higher-Paying Roles

Credentials That Pay Off

The fastest way to boost your earning potential:

Master's degree — Adds $10,000-$20,000 to your salary in most districts
BCBA certification — Opens doors to behavior analyst roles ($89K+ average)
Administrative licensure — Required for director and coordinator positions
National Board Certification — Adds $2,000-$10,000 depending on state incentives

Typical Career Path

Years 1-5: Build classroom expertise. Excel at IEP development, behavior management, and collaboration.

Years 5-8: Move into lead teacher, mentor, or coordinator roles. Pursue your master's degree if you haven't already.

Years 8+: Transition to specialist or director positions. Seek administrative certification if targeting district-level roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest paying job in special education?

Special Education Director, with salaries ranging from $95,000 to $122,000 depending on district size and location.

Can you make six figures in special education?

Yes. Directors, BCBAs in high-demand areas, SLPs in top-paying states, and school OTs in major metros all regularly exceed $100,000.

Is a master's degree worth it for special education careers?

For most career paths, yes. A master's typically adds $10,000-$20,000 annually, meaning it pays for itself within 2-3 years. It's also required for most specialist and leadership roles.

Advance Your Special Education Career

Special education offers multiple paths to salaries well above the $64,270 classroom median. Whether you pursue behavior analysis, speech-language pathology, administration, or another specialty, the investment in advanced credentials consistently pays off.

With 45 states facing shortages, qualified professionals have options. The question isn't whether opportunities exist—it's which path fits your strengths and goals.

Ready to explore what's available? Browse special education jobs and take the next step in your career.

Sources:

Highest Paying Careers for Special Education Professionals (2026)