Application Fee
See agencyVerified by OH Board of Education
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Ohio
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Ohio, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Ohio
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Please refer to the licensing authority or the Ohio Career Information System (OCIS) at (800) 700-6247 for more information on license requirements.
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Ohio Department of Education & Workforce
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$64,060 median (2% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#17 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Ohio eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required state examinations.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 5. Submit the application to Ohio Department of Education & Workforce and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Ohio
With a median salary of $64,060, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Ohio earn 2% above the national median of $63,000. Ohio ranks #17 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,256Median annual salary
$64,060Hourly estimate
$30.802% above national median
Difference: +$1,060
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSpecial Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking
#17 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $90,530 |
| #2 | Washington | $85,340 |
| #3 | Connecticut | $81,220 |
| #4 | New York | $80,750 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $78,820 |
Nearby States Comparison
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $64,060 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $75,520 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $64,520 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $49,760 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $57,090 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $57,910 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 68 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Michigan | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Ohio Department of Education & Workforce
25 S. Front Street, Columbus, OH, 43215-4183
Phone: 8776446338
Related Careers in Ohio
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $73,050 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $75,320 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $76,680 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $61,160 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Ohio?
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 education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Ohio?
The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure in Ohio.
What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Ohio?
The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Ohio is $64,060. Salaries range from $45,110 (10th percentile) to $98,530 (90th percentile).
How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Ohio compare to the national average?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Ohio earn 2% above the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $64,060.
How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Ohio?
Ohio employs approximately 10,050 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to Ohio from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. 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 Ohio?
The licensing agency is Ohio Department of Education & Workforce. Review agency details at https://www.education.ohio.gov/.
How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Ohio?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.