Career comparison
Middle School Teacher vs. Special Education Teacher
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Special education teachers earn more at the median ($65,120 vs. $64,370), while middle school teachers usually get to work faster (4 years plus licensing of training). Middle school teachers teach students in grades 6 through 8 through big changes in learning and life. Special education teachers teach and support students with disabilities so they can learn and thrive.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Middle School Teacher | Special Education Teacher | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $64,370 | $65,120 |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,080 – $102,540 | $49,350 – $103,010 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -0.4% (little or no change) | -0.4% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 38,800 | 16,400 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 4 years plus licensing | 4 years plus licensing |
| Key credential | State teaching license | State special education license |
| Work setting | Middle school teachers work in classrooms and labs, moving between classes, meetings and duties.. | Special education teachers work in resource rooms, self-contained classrooms and general education classrooms, with meetings and paperwork.. |
What each job does
Middle School Teacher
- Plan and teach subject lessons
- Grade assignments and tests
- Manage classroom behavior
- Support study skills and organization
- Differentiate instruction
Special Education Teacher
- Assess students’ needs and progress
- Write and implement IEPs
- Adapt lessons and materials
- Teach individuals and small groups
- Co-teach in general education classes
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, indoor work, and teamwork. Both are part of the education & childcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose middle school teacher if…
- I love a particular subject
- I can relate to preteens
- I’m patient and consistent
Choose special education teacher if…
- I want to help students with disabilities
- I’m patient and persistent
- I like individualized teaching
Still torn? Take the Middle School Teacher fit quiz and the Special Education Teacher fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, middle school teacher or special education teacher?
Special Education Teachers earn more at the median: $65,120 versus $64,370 for middle school teachers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Middle School Teachers typically train faster (4 years plus licensing) than special education teachers (4 years plus licensing).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects middle school teachers to grow -0.4% from 2025–35, compared with -0.4% for special education teachers.