Special education teachers, preschool
SOC Code: 25-2051
Special education teachers, preschool carries a 24% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $62,190 and +1.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 29,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Special education teachers, preschool (SOC 25-2051) carries an AI exposure score of 24%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 29,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.4% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $62,190, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Special education teachers, preschool. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.
- 2. Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.
- 3. Communicate nonverbally with children to provide them with comfort, encouragement, or positive reinforcement.
- 4. Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, or social skills, to preschool students with special needs.
- 5. Develop individual educational plans (IEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, or social development.
- 6. Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, or other professionals to develop individual education plans (IEPs).
- 7. Teach students personal development skills, such as goal setting, independence, or self-advocacy.
- 8. Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities.
- 9. Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- 10. Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment or materials to prevent injuries and damage.
Key Skills Required
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Instructing
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Psychology
- Public Safety and Security
- Therapy and Counseling
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Medicine and Dentistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Special education teachers, preschool?
Special education teachers, preschool has an AI exposure score of 24%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Special education teachers, preschool?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Special education teachers, preschool is projected to grow by 1.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 29,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Special education teachers, preschool?
Key skills for Special education teachers, preschool include Speaking, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Special education teachers, preschool earn?
The median annual wage for Special education teachers, preschool is $62,190, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Special education teachers, preschool?
The typical entry-level education for Special education teachers, preschool is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Special education teachers, preschool?
Special education teachers, preschool roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).