Careers in Special Education: 9 Jobs to Explore 

Wisconsin is experiencing a considerable shortage of special education professionals, creating unprecedented opportunities for educators wanting to make a difference in the lives of students with diverse learning needs. With starting salaries in many districts now surpassing $75,000, the financial incentives align with the profound personal rewards of this critical field.

The University of Wisconsin-Superior’s online Master of Science in Education – Special Education program is specifically designed to prepare educators for K-12 cross-categorical special education licensure, addressing this high demand while offering the flexibility of online learning. For those who have a passion for helping students with diverse learning needs, there are several career paths to consider.

1. Special Education Teacher

A special education teacher works directly with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional and physical disabilities. They adapt the general education curriculum and create individualized education programs (IEPs) that work with a student’s educational goals and the services they will receive.

• Salary: In Wisconsin, the average salary is about $61,670, but with the state’s hiring incentives, starting salaries can be much higher.
• Required qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in special education and state teaching licensure are the baseline requirements. Many school districts prefer or require a master’s degree.
• Growth projections: Due to the teacher shortage in Wisconsin and nationwide, the job outlook in this field is very positive.

2. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Specialist

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) specialists are educators who work directly with people with autism. They help students develop social, communication and academic skills by creating personalized instructional plans. They often work one-on-one with students, using structured teaching methods and visual supports to provide clear directions to help improve their students’ ability to successfully navigate various social environments.

• Salary: The average salary for this role is approximately $51,501, but total pay can vary based on experience, location and education.
• Required qualifications: Qualifications include a master’s degree in special education or applied behavior analysis (ABA). Many educators also obtain a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) credential.
• Growth projections: The number of people diagnosed with autism continues to increase, creating a consistent and growing need for specialists in this area.

3. Behavioral Intervention Specialist

A behavioral intervention specialist works with students who have disruptive behavioral or emotional challenges. They create and coordinate plans to help students manage their actions and learn positive coping skills. This role is about understanding the reasons behind specific behaviors and helping students find better ways to respond.

• Salary: The median salary for this position in Wisconsin is $123,608, but it can vary based on the specific job and geographic location.
• Required qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in a related field like psychology, social work or education is a minimum requirement. Other qualifications include a master’s degree and certain certifications, such as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential, which can lead to higher-level positions.
• Growth projections: The S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects this role to grow by 17% through 2033.

4. Assistive Technology Coordinator

An assistive technology coordinator helps students with disabilities use technology to learn. They find and customize devices and software to allow students to access learning materials and express themselves. These tools can be anything from a simple pencil grip to an advanced communication device or computer program that reads text out loud.

• Salary: A coordinator can expect a yearly salary of $54,373, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Required qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or educational technology is typically a good starting point, but a master’s degree in a relevant field and an assistive technology certificate are other qualifications.
• Growth projections: The global market for assistive technology is projected to grow steadily, with an annual increase of almost 5% predicted over the next decade.

5. Transition Services Specialist

A transition services specialist helps students with disabilities prepare for life after high school. This includes finding a job, continuing their education or living independently. Their goal is to help students move from high school to the independence of adulthood.

• Salary: The average salary for a transition specialist is $46,939, but the overall amount can change according to experience and location.
• Required qualifications: Basic qualifications include a master’s degree in special education, counseling or a related field, along with experience in secondary education or vocational rehabilitation.
• Growth projections: The BLS projects the job outlook for school and career counselors and advisors to grow by 4% through 2033.

6. Educational Consultant

An educational consultant offers guidance to schools, families and districts on matters related to special education. They might specialize in a particular disability, a specific type of therapy or school policy. They work with clients to solve educational challenges.

• Salary: The average salary is about $75,839, but it can vary widely based on experience and whether consultants work for a firm or as an independent contractor.
• Required qualifications: A master’s degree in a related field is generally expected, along with many years of teaching or administrative experience. Certification or licensing may also be part of the general requirements depending on the state.
• Growth projections: As school systems and families increasingly require outside expertise, the role of educational consultant will continue to be needed.

7. Instructional Coordinator

An instructional coordinator works to improve educational programs and teaching methods. In special education, they focus on making sure that the curriculum and teaching strategies meet the needs of all students.

• Salary: The median pay for instructional coordinators is around $74,720 per year.
• Required qualifications: The requirements are a master’s degree and several years of teaching experience.
• Growth projections: Despite limited job growth over the next decade, this career is still expected to gain around 20,100 job openings per year.

8. Educational Diagnostician

An educational diagnostician assesses students to find learning disabilities and other educational needs. Their findings are used to determine eligibility for special education services and to recommend what type of support they need.

• Salary: The average yearly salary is around $65,353, but the overall amount can vary due to experience and location.
• Required qualifications: The basic requirement is a master’s degree in special education or a related field. A professional certification or license is also required in many states.
• Growth projections: The demand for educational diagnosticians is expected to be very strong in the coming years.

9. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist

An ABA therapist uses the principles of behavior analysis to help people with developmental disabilities learn new skills and reduce unwanted behaviors. They work with students to help them reach their personal goals.

• Salary: The average annual salary for an ABA therapist is about $57,098. Those with a master’s degree and certain certifications, like a Board-certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), can earn more.
• Required qualifications: Many entry-level ABA therapists only need a bachelor’s degree and receive on-the-job training to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Board-certified behavior analysts must have a master’s degree.
• Growth projections: The number of job openings for BCBAs has grown every year since 2010, with a growth of 58% between 2023 and 2024.

Advance Your Career With an MSE in Special Education

The University of Wisconsin-Superior’s online MSE in Special Education program helps students prepare for any of these careers. The curriculum — which focuses on data-driven decision-making, behavior and learning theory — enables graduates to apply their skills and knowledge in a variety of settings.

The program’s online format gives professionals the flexibility to continue working while they earn a degree that will advance their career. Students graduate ready to make a lasting impact on students with diverse learning needs while meeting the critical demand for specialized educators.

Learn more about the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s online MSE – Special Education program.