North Carolina ranks 45th of 51 states and D.C. for special education teachers, secondary school pay, trailing top-paying California ($101,250) by $46,250 — a 84% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $39,940 to $68,630 — a $28,690 spread, 51% tighter than the national $58,120 range.
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School are less concentrated in North Carolina than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.77 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.30× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $39,940 | N/A |
| 25th percentile | $47,170 | N/A |
| 50th percentile (median) | $55,000 | N/A |
| 75th percentile | $60,640 | N/A |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $68,630 | N/A |
| Mean (average) | $54,200 | N/A |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $55,000 | n/a |
| California | $101,250 | +84% |
| Washington | $97,820 | +78% |
| District of Columbia | $96,880 | +76% |
| New York | $91,830 | +67% |
| Rhode Island | $89,460 | +63% |
| Massachusetts | $82,580 | +50% |
| New Jersey | $80,360 | +46% |
| Maryland | $79,370 | +44% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $54,890 | 32,260 |
| Health Education Specialists | $54,720 | 1,830 |
| Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators | $54,700 | 4,070 |
| Machinists | $55,520 | 8,310 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers | $55,880 | 4,210 |
| Electricians | $54,070 | 23,660 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in North Carolina?
The mean special education teachers, secondary school salary in North Carolina is $54,200 per year. The median (middle) salary is $55,000 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in North Carolina?
Entry-level special education teachers, secondary schools (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $39,940 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $47,170 per year.
What is the highest Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $68,630 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $60,640 per year.
How does the North Carolina Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary compare to the national average?
The median special education teachers, secondary school salary in North Carolina is $55,000, which is -21% below national average of $69,590.