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Verified by AZ Board of Education

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Arizona

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Arizona, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Arizona

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Education • Certification Unit

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $49,760 median (21% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #47 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Arizona eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Education~Certification Unit and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Arizona

With a median salary of $49,760, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Arizona earn 21% below the national median of $63,000. Arizona ranks #47 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,369

Median annual salary

$49,760

Hourly estimate

$23.92
21% below national median

Difference: -$13,240

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$43,760
  • P2525th percentile$46,100
  • P50Median$49,760
  • P7575th percentile$59,260
  • P9090th percentile$74,400

State vs National Median

State: $49,760
National: $63,000

Total employment: 2,220 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking

#47 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$90,530
#2Washington$85,340
#3Connecticut$81,220
#4New York$80,750
#5Massachusetts$78,820

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Arizona$49,760Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Utah$58,920Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Colorado$63,500Degree requiredThird-party exam required1-2 years
New Mexico$66,490Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Nevada$63,340Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
California$90,530Varies by state boardState-approved exam5 years

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
Utah78HighBoard-specific review required.
Colorado56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Mexico50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nevada64MediumDocumented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Education • Certification Unit

1535 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ, 85007

Phone: 6025424367

Related Careers in Arizona

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$68,350Degree requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$77,650Degree requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$89,690Degree requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$68,350Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Arizona?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Arizona?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Arizona is $49,760. Salaries range from $43,760 (10th percentile) to $74,400 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Arizona compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Arizona earn 21% below the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $49,760.

How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Arizona?

Arizona employs approximately 2,220 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to Arizona from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Arizona?

The licensing agency is Department of Education / Certification Unit. Review agency details at http://www.azed.gov/educator-certification/.

How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Arizona?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.