Education Seattle · 2026 +4.0% YoY proj.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Seattle

Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing — no state income tax. Here's how Special Education Teachers in Seattle get paid in 2026.

$101,500
Median Special Education Teacher salary in Seattle, Q1 2026.
Versus US median ($73,500): +38% · Versus Washington state ($95,600): +6%
Range: $77,100 (P25) → $131,900 (P75) → $167,500 (P90).
Pay distribution · 2026
P25
$77,100
MEDIAN
$101,500
P75
$131,900
P90
$167,500
By Tenure

Special Education Teacher Salary by Experience in Seattle

How pay scales with career stage in the Seattle metro market.

ExperienceMedian 202625th %75th %
Entry (0–1 yr)$71,000$53,900$92,300
Junior (2–4 yrs)$88,300$67,000$114,700
Mid-Level (5–9 yrs)$101,500$77,100$131,900
Senior (10–14 yrs)$121,800$92,500$158,200
Veteran (15+ yrs)$138,000$104,800$179,300
Metro Comparison

Special Education Teacher Pay in Other Top US Metros

Highest-paying metros for Special Education Teachers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.

Seattle Pay Map

Highest-Paying Jobs in Seattle

Top occupations by median pay across the Seattle metro economy.

→ See full Seattle salary guide for all 100 jobs

FAQ

Special Education Teacher Salary in Seattle: FAQ

What is the average Special Education Teacher salary in Seattle?

The average Special Education Teacher salary in the Seattle metro is $101,500 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $77,100 to $131,900 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $167,500 or more.

Does Seattle pay more than the rest of Washington?

Yes — Seattle pays +6% relative to the Washington state median for Special Education Teachers. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.

How does Seattle compare to other US metros for Special Education Teacher pay?

Seattle vs. national: +38%. That puts Seattle among the stronger US markets for Special Education Teachers — though cost of living in Seattle is also typically elevated.

What experience level does $101,500 represent?

In Seattle, the median Special Education Teacher salary of $101,500 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Special Education Teachers in Seattle start around $71,000, while seniors (10+ years) reach $121,800 or more.

Personal Audit

Are you underpaid as a Special Education Teacher in Seattle?

Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.

Get my personal salary report →