Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged 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, Preschool
SOC: 25-2051 O*NET: 25-2051.00
Median Salary
$64,830
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.4%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged 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, Preschool do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$45,620
10th percentile
Early Career
$52,210
25th percentile
Median
$64,830
50th percentile
Experienced
$91,660
75th percentile
Top Earners
$130,040
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$45,620
25th
$52,210
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$64,830
Mean: $76,380
75th
$91,660
90th
$130,040
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $84,420 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $52,210 and $91,660
- •Salary spread is 60.9% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 29,510 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:30,500
Top Industries
Social Assistance22.8%
Child Care Services15.1%
Ambulatory Health Care Services7.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.4%
Annual Openings:2,000
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)30,500
Current
2035 (Projected)31,300
+2.4%
+700
Employment Change
+2.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Special Education Teachers, Preschool professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 45 locations
New York
6,220 jobs$68,1803.38x
California
2,510 jobs$59,5500.73x
Texas
2,010 jobs$65,6800.75x
New Jersey
1,720 jobs$92,0602.12x
Florida
1,370 jobs$58,2400.73x
Minnesota
1,250 jobs$75,8802.24x
Ohio
1,150 jobs$60,7001.10x
Illinois
1,080 jobs$62,5800.93x
Louisiana
960 jobs$56,8902.61x
Missouri
940 jobs$62,2501.68x
Washington
820 jobs$86,5801.22x
Colorado
810 jobs$78,0401.49x
Massachusetts
710 jobs$99,0701.03x
Virginia
650 jobs$77,5700.84x
North Carolina
640 jobs$60,1800.68x
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 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Speaking
100%
#2
English Language
100%
#3
Oral Expression
100%
#4
Active Listening
94%
#5
Education and Training
92%
#6
Speech Clarity
92%
#7
Critical Thinking
86%
#8
Psychology
82%
#9
Oral Comprehension
82%
#10
Social Perceptiveness
80%
Skills Overview
Speaking
advanced5.0
100%
English Language
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Expression
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Education and Training
advanced4.6
92%
Speech Clarity
advanced4.6
92%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Psychology
intermediate4.1
82%
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:
Speaking
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
English Language
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Education and Training
advancedImportance92%
knowledge
4.6/5.0
Speech Clarity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Psychology
intermediateImportance82%
knowledge
4.1/5.0
Oral Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Public Safety and Security
intermediateImportance74%
knowledge
3.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors100%
5 shared skills
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School100%
5 shared skills
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary100%
5 shared skills
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary100%
5 shared skills
Self-Enrichment Teachers100%
5 shared skills
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary100%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓English Language
- ✓Education and Training
Learn on the Job:
- →Learning Strategies
- →Monitoring
- →Writing
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓English Language
- ✓Education and Training
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Active Listening
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★English Language
- ★Education and Training
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, Preschool
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 Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
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
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡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 mostly 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:
General Responsibilities (6)Communication & Coordination (2)Training & Development (3)Planning & Development (6)Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)
1
Arrange indoor or outdoor space to facilitate creative play, motor-skill activities, or safety.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, or changing their diapers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Communicate nonverbally with children to provide them with comfort, encouragement, or positive reinforcement.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination94% perform96%
4
Confer with parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, or administrators to resolve students' behavioral or academic problems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development91% perform94%
5
Develop individual educational plans (IEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, or social development.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Encourage students to explore learning opportunities or persevere with challenging tasks to prepare them for later grades.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Establish and communicate clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects to students, parents, or guardians.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Communication & Coordination76% perform84%
10
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities 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, Preschool
💡 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, Preschool professionals typically have a SAI Holland code and highly value relationships
SSocial
AArtistic
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.84
Adaptability/Flexibility
CriticalAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.84
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.79
Achievement/Effort
CriticalAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.67
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.67
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.66
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.8
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.8
Self-Control
4.8
Achievement/Effort
4.7
Dependability
4.7
Cooperation
4.7
Initiative
4.6
Concern for Others
4.6
Persistence
4.5
Stress Tolerance
4.5
💡 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 plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Special Education Teachers, Preschool.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Special Education Teachers, Preschool
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
1.3k program completions/year
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH
735 program completions/year
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
336 program completions/year
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM
263 program completions/year
Connecticut State Community College
New Britain, CT
256 program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
233 program completions/year
Alamance Community College
Graham, NC
228 program completions/year
Gateway Technical College
Kenosha, WI
227 program completions/year
Fox Valley Technical College
Appleton, WI
218 program completions/year
Fresno City College
Fresno, CA
211 program completions/year
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WI
211 program completions/year
Forsyth Technical Community College
Winston-Salem, NC
200 program completions/year
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