Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
SOC: 25-2057 O*NET: 25-2057.00
Median Salary
$64,880
per year
Job Growth
📉 -1.9%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
6.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
What does a Special Education Teachers, Middle School do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$48,070
10th percentile
Early Career
$58,590
25th percentile
Median
$64,880
50th percentile
Experienced
$81,940
75th percentile
Top Earners
$102,730
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$48,070
25th
$58,590
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$64,880
Mean: $72,310
75th
$81,940
90th
$102,730
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $54,660 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $58,590 and $81,940
- •Salary spread is 36.0% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 95,330 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:94,800
Top Industries
Educational Services5.3%
Elementary and Secondary Schools5.2%
Educational Support Services0.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-1.9%
Annual Openings:6,300
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)94,800
Current
2034 (Projected)93,000
-1.9%
-1,800
Employment Change
-1.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Special Education Teachers, Middle School professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
12,940 jobs$61,9201.51x
New York
7,190 jobs$91,2801.22x
California
6,850 jobs$99,2700.61x
New Jersey
6,590 jobs$77,5002.51x
Ohio
6,140 jobs$71,3201.80x
Pennsylvania
4,800 jobs$77,6101.29x
Illinois
4,390 jobs$71,7901.17x
Georgia
4,380 jobs$67,7101.46x
Virginia
2,910 jobs$63,7301.16x
Massachusetts
2,880 jobs$85,0201.28x
Wisconsin
2,260 jobs$61,9901.25x
Minnesota
2,140 jobs$60,9401.19x
Florida
2,090 jobs$59,4100.34x
North Carolina
2,060 jobs$58,0000.68x
Colorado
1,990 jobs$62,6801.11x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Learning Strategies
100%
#2
Active Learning
94%
#3
Social Perceptiveness
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Instructing
74%
#6
Active Listening
66%
#7
Service Orientation
60%
#8
Writing
54%
#9
Coordination
46%
#10
Monitoring
40%
Skills Overview
Learning Strategies
advanced5.0
100%
Active Learning
advanced4.7
94%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Instructing
intermediate3.7
74%
Active Listening
intermediate3.3
66%
Service Orientation
intermediate3.0
60%
Writing
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Learning Strategies
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Active Learning
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Instructing
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Service Orientation
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Writing
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education82%
5 shared skills
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School82%
5 shared skills
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors67%
5 shared skills
Animal Trainers67%
5 shared skills
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School67%
5 shared skills
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Learning Strategies
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Service Orientation
- →Writing
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Learning Strategies
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Learning
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Learning Strategies
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★Speaking
- ★Active Learning
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechApple macOS
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Apple macOS
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)Planning & Development (6)Training & Development (5)Communication & Coordination (2)General Responsibilities (3)Analysis & Evaluation (1)
1
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and policies and procedures to maintain order among students.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and professionals to develop individual educational plans (IEPs) for students' educational, physical, and social development.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Develop and implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of handicapping conditions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development85% perform90%
7
Modify the general education curriculum for students with disabilities, based upon a variety of instructional techniques and instructional technology.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development82% perform88%
8
Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Training & Development76% perform84%
10
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Training & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Special Education Teachers, Middle School
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Special Education Teachers, Middle School professionals typically have a SIA Holland code and highly value relationships
SSocial
IInvestigative
AArtistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Stress Tolerance
CriticalStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.94
Adaptability/Flexibility
CriticalAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.90
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.82
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.81
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.79
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.78
Complete Work Styles Profile
Stress Tolerance
4.9
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.9
Dependability
4.8
Integrity
4.8
Cooperation
4.8
Self-Control
4.8
Initiative
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.7
Concern for Others
4.7
Social Orientation
4.6
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Special Education Teachers, Middle School.
Browse Training Programs →