What Jobs Can You Do with a Special Education Degree?

A Special Education degree can help you access a wide range of meaningful careers in the United States (US). While many graduates of these programs pursue classroom teaching, the domain is not limited to conventional K-12 roles. Nowadays, public schools, community programs, private institutions, state agencies, and therapy clinics all seek qualified professionals to support students with diverse learning needs.

This is why professionals like Assistive Technology Specialists earn between USD 36,000 and USD 117,000 per year, with an average salary of USD 63,000.

This blog will look at what jobs you can have with a Special Education degree and also highlight the best industries for special education professionals in the US.

Also Read: How to Become a Certified Elementary or Middle School Teacher

What Jobs Can You Do With A Special Education Degree?

Special Education degrees are the right option for professionals seeking the expertise to make a meaningful impact in their field. This includes individuals passionate about creating inclusive classrooms, offering one-on-one developmental support, and advocating for student accommodations.

1. Assistive Technology Specialist
2. Special Education Coordinator
3. Educational Tester
4. Behavior Analyst
5. Special Education Teacher

1. Assistive Technology Specialist

In the US, Assistive Technology Specialists work to enhance the functional capabilities and independence of individuals with disabilities by identifying needs, training individuals, and providing appropriate technological solutions.

The following are their key responsibilities:

• Evaluation and Assessment
• Device Provision and Recommendation
• Support and Training
• Compliance and Documentation
• Maintenance and Inventory
• Education and Advocacy

2. Special Education Coordinator

A Special Education Coordinator in the US is a pivotal leader responsible for overseeing and managing special education services and programs within districts and schools.

Their key responsibilities may be enumerated as follows:

• Program Management
• Legal Adherence and Compliance
• Individualized Education Program (IEP) Management
• Consultation and Collaboration
• Data Analysis and Assessment
• Staff Mentorship and Development
• Advocacy and Liaison
• Reporting and Record Keeping

3. Educational Tester

When you think of the jobs you can have with a Special Education degree in the US, this is one of the most prominent names that come to mind. This is because in the US educational system, they work under more specialized titles such as Educational Test Developer, Educational Evaluator, Assessment Specialist, and Psychometrician.

Their key responsibilities are:

• Test Development
• Assessment Coordination and Administration
• Data Interpretation and Analysis
• Compliance and Reporting

4. Behavior Analyst

Behavior Analysts in the US are professionals who apply the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis to assess, change, and understand socially significant human behaviors. They typically aim to improve the individuals’ quality of life.

Their primary responsibilities are:

• Assessment
• Intervention Plan Development
• Monitoring and Implementation
• Supervision and Training
• Collaboration
• Ethics and Documentation

5. Special Education Teacher

In the US, Special Education Teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, emotional, mental, and physical disabilities. Their key responsibilities are:

• Instructional Delivery and Planning
• IEP Management and Development
• Evaluation and Assessment
• Classroom Management
• Communication and Collaboration
• Parent Communication
• Compliance and Documentation

The table below shows the salaries that you can earn in those roles in the US:

Job Role	Annual Salary Range
Assistive Technology Specialist	USD 36,000 – USD 117,000
Special Education Coordinator	USD 22,459 – USD 116,341
Educational Tester	USD 63,000 – USD 100,000
Behavior Analyst	USD 54,000 – USD 93,000
Special Education Teacher	USD 48,000 – USD 73,000

Also Read: Why Career Changers Are Choosing Online Special Education Degrees

Best Industries for Special Education Professionals

Listed below are some of the top industries in the US when considering the jobs you can have with a Special Education degree:

• Hospitals and Education
• Secondary and Elementary Schools
• Educational Support Services
• Family & Individual Services and Offices of Other Health Practitioners
• Rehabilitation Centers

Non-Traditional Careers You Can Pursue With a Special Education Degree

The following are some of the leading non-traditional Special Education degree jobs in the US:

1. Consulting and Advocacy

• Special Education Advocate
• Educational Consultant
• Policy Lobbyist or Developer

2. Program and Curriculum Development

• Curriculum Developer or Instructional Designer
• Program Developer or Manager for Healthcare and Non-Profits
• Educational Diagnostician

3. Specialized Therapy and Support

• Behavioral Specialist or Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist
• Early Intervention Specialist
• Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist

Apart from these, you can work in the following roles:

• Corporate Trainer
• Human Resources Specialist
• Publisher or Writer
• Pediatric or Hospital Educator

Job Outlook and Required Credentials

• There will be no shortage of the jobs you can get with a Special Education degree in the US, largely due to the high number of professionals retiring and exiting the field.
• In all states, you need at least a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or a related field to work in such roles in the public schools.
• You must also have a state-issued license or certification to work in a Special Education role in public schools.
• Private schools typically require a Bachelor’s degree at minimum, but may not require any state-issued certificate or license.

How to Choose the Right Special Education Degree Path and Maximize Your Impact?

A key step in exploring the jobs I can do with a Special Education degree in the US is selecting the right program. For that, you must:

• Reflect on Your Career Goals and Interests
• Evaluate Degree Programs
• Maximize Your Impact

All these factors would influence your final choice in different ways. For example, the kind of students you prefer working with will dictate the specialization you select.

Also Read: How to Fast-Track Your Career in Elementary Education with Online Programs

How Edgewood Online Can Support Your Career?

The Accelerated Cross-Categorical Special Education Degree Online program at Edgewood University is an excellent option for students looking to make a significant impact in the US special education landscape.

The program offers benefits like flexible, online learning designed specifically for working adults, such as paraprofessionals and career changers. It helps them earn the credentials required for state teacher licensure. The well-structured program helps busy professionals continue their degree while working and earning.

FAQs on Special Education Degree Jobs

Q: What jobs can you get in the US with a Special Education degree besides teaching?
Ans: The top jobs that you can land in the US with a Special Education degree, apart from teaching, are Assistive Technology Specialist and Special Education Coordinator.

Q: Do you need a Master’s degree in the US to work in special education?
Ans: No, you do not need a Master’s degree in the US to work in special education in every case. The minimum requirement for the sector is usually a Bachelor’s degree.

Q: What is the average salary for someone with a Special Education degree in the US?
Ans: Your average salary with a Special Education degree in the US depends on the job role you are working in.

Q: What credentials/licensing are required for special education roles in the US?
Ans: To work in special education roles in the US, you need at least a Bachelor’s degree along with a state teaching certification or license.

Q: What is the job outlook for Special Education Teachers and Specialists in the US?
Ans: The job outlook for Special Education Specialists and Teachers in the US is mixed, with a slow official employment growth rate and high demand, along with substantial opportunities for qualified candidates due to a persistent and severe teacher shortage.