Will AI replace special education teachers, middle school?AI replacement risk 37% and how the work is changing

United States Education Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$66,810
25th–75th pct. $60,000–$82,800
Top pay (est.)
$133,300
Top 10% $102,510
Pay in 5 years
$77,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$88,700est.
$76,300–$103,000
Outlook score
44/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
37%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−0.4%
6,000 openings / yr

Will AI replace Special Education Teachers, Middle School? AI replacement risk

37%
Low
Ranked #340 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Special Education Teachers, Middle School

Key skills

Learning Strategies
4.2
Social Perceptiveness
4.1
Instructing
4.1
Writing
4.0
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Speaking
4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Education and Training
5.3
English Language
5.1
Mathematics
4.7
Customer and Personal Service
4.4
Administrative
4.4
Psychology
4.0
Sociology and Anthropology
3.5
Public Safety and Security
3.4

What the work involves

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersCoaching and Developing OthersTraining and Teaching OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Speech ClarityOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
83%
Master's degree
15%
Post-bachelor's certificate
1%

Training before entry

6–12 months
44%
1–2 years
28%
3–6 months
12%
1–3 months
8%
None / short demo
4%
Up to 1 month
4%

Related work experience

6–12 months
42%
1–2 years
26%
4–6 years
12%
2–4 years
7%
3–6 months
6%
None
5%
Up to 1 month
2%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.