Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Education
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Education • State Board of Education • Bureau of Teacher Certification & Preparation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$64,520 median (2% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#16 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Pass required state examinations.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Education~State Board of Education~Bureau of Teacher Certification & Preparation and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $64,520, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Pennsylvania earn 2% above the national median of $63,000. Pennsylvania ranks #16 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$64,520Hourly estimate
$31.022% above national median
Difference: +$1,520
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSpecial Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking
#16 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $64,520 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New York | $80,750 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $75,660 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $58,990 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $75,550 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $49,760 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $64,060 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| New York | 60 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| New Jersey | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Delaware | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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 • State Board of Education • Bureau of Teacher Certification & Preparation
333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17126
Phone: 7177873356
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,250 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,760 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $92,780 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,310 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Pennsylvania is $64,520. Salaries range from $48,500 (10th percentile) to $92,520 (90th percentile).
How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Pennsylvania earn 2% above the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $64,520.
How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 6,850 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of Education / State Board of Education / Bureau of Teacher Certification & Preparation. Review agency details at https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.