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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Special Education Teachers salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$78,900
Mean annual$76,180
Range (10th to 90th)$51,280 to $101,410
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania employment5,320
State vs national+7.8% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Philadelphia special education teachers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$51,28025TH$61,160MEDIAN$78,90075TH$92,96090TH$101,410

The middle 50% of workers earn between $61,160 and $92,960, with a median of $78,900.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    Internship/residency

Top skills (O*NET)

  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.6 / 5
  • Education and Training

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5
  • Speech Clarity

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Learning Strategies

    Cross-functional

    4.1 / 5
  • Social Perceptiveness

    Technical

    4.0 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Writing

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Develop and implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of handicapping conditions.

  2. 02

    Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.

  3. 03

    Establish and enforce rules for behavior and policies and procedures to maintain order among students.

  4. 04

    Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement.

  5. 05

    Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.

  6. 06

    Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.

  7. 07

    Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.

  8. 08

    Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.

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Other metros in Pennsylvania

How the Philadelphia metro compares to other major Pennsylvania metro areas for special education teachers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Special Education Teachers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Special Education Teachers in the Philadelphia metropolitan area is $78,900.
Does Philadelphia pay more than the Pennsylvania state average for Special Education Teachers?
The Philadelphia metro median is +4.7% versus the Pennsylvania state median of $75,330.
How does Philadelphia compare to the national median for Special Education Teachers?
The Philadelphia metro median is +7.8% versus the BLS national figure of $73,212.
What is the salary range for Special Education Teachers in Philadelphia?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $51,280 and the 90th-percentile at $101,410 for the Philadelphia metro area.
What education is required for Special Education Teachers?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Philadelphia CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.