Median annual earnings in 2002 of middle school special education teachers were $41,350. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,460 and $52,370. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,560, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $65,070.

Median annual earnings in 2002 of special education teachers who worked primarily in secondary schools were $44,130. The middle 50 percent earned between $35,320 and $56,850. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,630, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $71,020.

In 2002, about 62 percent of special education teachers belonged to unions—mainly the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association—that bargain with school systems over wages, hours, and the terms and conditions of employment.

In most schools, teachers receive extra pay for coaching sports and working with students in extracurricular activities. Some teachers earn extra income during the summer, working in the school system or in other jobs.