Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Rhode Island
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Rhode Island earn a median of $84,300 a year, based on BLS data for 1,070 workers.
Pay ranges from $60,420 for the lowest-paid 10% to $98,170 for the top 10%. That is 29% higher than the national median of $65,120. Rhode Island ranks 5th of 51 states for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 2.1 special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $80,910, close to the median.
Pay range for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Rhode Island
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $60,420 |
| 25th percentile | $62,170 |
| Median | $84,300 |
| 75th percentile | $95,000 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $98,170 |
| Average (mean) | $80,910 |
Half of special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $7,025 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,512.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,242.31 |
| Weekly | $1,621.15 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $84,300 salary, see how much house you can afford in Rhode Island at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in cities in Rhode Island
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $85,330 | 1,590 |
Highest-paying states for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $97,910 |
| California | $97,170 |
| Washington | $95,040 |
| Massachusetts | $91,350 |
| Rhode Island | $84,300 |
| Connecticut | $82,950 |
| New York | $81,260 |
| Alaska | $80,230 |
| Maryland | $78,850 |
| Illinois | $77,960 |
See Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School pay in every state.
Related jobs in Rhode Island
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in Rhode Island
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-2052. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school make in Rhode Island?
The median salary for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Rhode Island is $84,300 a year. Pay ranges from $60,420 for the lowest-paid 10% to $98,170 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school make in Rhode Island?
The top 10% of special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Rhode Island earn at least $98,170 a year. The top 25% earn $95,000 or more.
What is the starting pay for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Rhode Island?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $60,420 a year, and a quarter of special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school earn $62,170 or less.
How many special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school work in Rhode Island?
About 1,070 special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school are employed in Rhode Island, not counting the self-employed.