North Carolina ranks 40th of 51 states and D.C. for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school pay, trailing top-paying California ($90,530) by $34,200 — a 61% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $41,140 to $72,120 — a $30,980 spread, 42% tighter than the national $53,030 range.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School are less concentrated in North Carolina than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.63 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.59× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $41,140 | N/A |
| 25th percentile | $47,310 | N/A |
| 50th percentile (median) | $56,330 | N/A |
| 75th percentile | $61,600 | N/A |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,120 | N/A |
| Mean (average) | $55,310 | N/A |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $56,330 | n/a |
| California | $90,530 | +61% |
| Washington | $85,340 | +52% |
| District of Columbia | $82,400 | +46% |
| Connecticut | $81,220 | +44% |
| New York | $80,750 | +43% |
| Massachusetts | $78,820 | +40% |
| Oregon | $78,320 | +39% |
| Rhode Island | $77,930 | +38% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $56,470 | 8,930 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $56,730 | 2,700 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers | $55,880 | 4,210 |
| Property Appraisers and Assessors | $56,950 | 2,220 |
| Advertising Sales Agents | $57,050 | 2,200 |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $57,100 | 9,630 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in North Carolina?
The mean special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary in North Carolina is $55,310 per year. The median (middle) salary is $56,330 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in North Carolina?
Entry-level special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $41,140 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $47,310 per year.
What is the highest Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $72,120 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $61,600 per year.
How does the North Carolina Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary compare to the national average?
The median special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary in North Carolina is $56,330, which is -11% below national average of $63,000.