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Verified by WA Board of Education

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Washington

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

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

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • No exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $85,340 median (35% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #2 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet Washington eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Washington

With a median salary of $85,340, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Washington earn 35% above the national median of $63,000. Washington ranks #2 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,837

Median annual salary

$85,340

Hourly estimate

$41.03
35% above national median

Difference: +$22,340

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$63,890
  • P2525th percentile$76,870
  • P50Median$85,340
  • P7575th percentile$104,460
  • P9090th percentile$122,340

State vs National Median

State: $85,340
National: $63,000

Total employment: 3,290 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking

#2 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
Washington$85,340Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Idaho$62,210Degree requiredState exam required18 years
Oregon$78,320Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Washington60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Idaho54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-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

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

600 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA, 98504

Phone: 3607256372

Related Careers in Washington

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$77,310No educational requirementsVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$81,050No educational requirementsVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$84,690No educational requirementsVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$66,150No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 exams are required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Washington?

Washington lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools.

What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Washington?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure in Washington.

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

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Washington is $85,340. Salaries range from $63,890 (10th percentile) to $122,340 (90th percentile).

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

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Washington earn 35% above the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $85,340.

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

Washington employs approximately 3,290 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to Washington 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 Washington?

The licensing agency is Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Review agency details at http://www.k12.wa.us/certification.

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

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