Long-Term Prospects

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Job Satisfaction

General quality of life statement

When 82% of people in a field are satisfied with their work, that's a whole lot of happy campers. Now here's where it gets interesting: Look down at that "salaries" sidebar below this section. Now scroll back up here. Now look back at that satisfaction rate, then come back down here. Yeah, special education majors aren't exactly filthy rich, but they're still extremely satisfied with their work. Why is that?

Sure, the pay isn't that great. Sure, you have to deal with kids who at times want nothing to do with you. But when you can manage to break through, to help them uncover their hidden talents, it's more rewarding than any number of winning lotto tickets or successful corporate adjunctions. You change kids' lives.

And of course, it doesn't hurt that the job market is pretty awesome. You won't have to drag your family to some big city you've only seen in postcards just to get a job. In all likelihood, the job you'll want is within driving distance of wherever you're sitting right now. People with special needs are everywhere, and that means job openings are, too.

Well, unless you're in Antarctica or something. Sorry, but we don't know how to diagnose penguins with autism yet.

25th Percentile Salary

Median Salary

75th Percentile Salary

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