Special Education Teacher Salary in Denmark 2026: How Much Do They Earn?
Special education teachers instruct students with special needs and design individualized learning plans. They collaborate with parents, psychologists, and other professionals.
- Low (25%)
- 400,000 DKK
- High (75%)
- 550,000 DKK
Salary Range for Special Education Teacher
Most special education teachers earn between 400,000 DKK and 550,000 DKK per year.
Net Salary as Special Education Teacher
| Salary Level | Gross/year | Net/month | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 400,000 DKK | 23,003 DKK | 30.99% |
| Average | 479,000 DKK | 27,212 DKK | 31.83% |
| High | 550,000 DKK | 30,794 DKK | 32.81% |
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What does a special education teacher do day-to-day?
A special education teacher in Denmark structures the day around pupils with additional needs — ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, general learning difficulties, or severe dyslexia. On a special school or in a specialist class, the day typically starts with a short team meeting reviewing the day’s structure and individual plans. Teaching takes place in small groups or one-to-one, often using visual schedules, TEACCH methods, role play, and differentiated materials. You collaborate closely with pedagogues, educational psychologists (PPR), and speech therapists, and individual education plans are drawn up under Section 20(2) of the Danish Folkeskole Act.
Education and qualifications
A special education teacher is typically a qualified primary school teacher (4-year professional bachelor) who has completed a 60-ECTS postgraduate diploma in special needs education. Some supplement this with a master’s in special education from DPU/Aarhus University. The programme and all teaching are in Danish.
Career progression and salary steps for a special education teacher
| Career stage | Annual gross salary |
|---|---|
| Newly qualified teacher in specialist class | 400,000 DKK |
| Experienced special education teacher (with diploma) | 470,000 DKK |
| Special needs coordinator / Behaviour specialist | 530,000 DKK |
| Head of department at a special school | 620,000 DKK |
Figures are indicative gross salaries. Use the calculator above to see your exact take-home pay after tax in your municipality.
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View salary scales →Special Education Teacher salary across municipalities
Net pay as a special education teacher varies up to 728 DKK/mo depending on municipality. Here are the 8 largest municipalities:
| Municipality | Tax Rate | Net/month |
|---|---|---|
| Copenhagen | 23.39% | 27,212 DKK |
| Vejle | 23.40% | 27,210 DKK |
| Frederiksberg | 24.50% | 26,914 DKK |
| Aarhus | 24.52% | 26,909 DKK |
| Odense | 25.50% | 26,645 DKK |
| Viborg | 25.50% | 26,645 DKK |
| Aalborg | 25.60% | 26,619 DKK |
| Esbjerg | 26.10% | 26,484 DKK |
Similar Roles in Education
- Primary School Teacher470,000 DKK/year
- High School Teacher550,000 DKK/year
- Pedagogue420,000 DKK/year
- University Lecturer610,000 DKK/year
Frequently Asked Questions
At minimum, you need a standard primary teaching degree (professional bachelor). To work as a specialist, you typically need or are required to complete a 60-ECTS postgraduate diploma in special needs education. Many municipalities require this additional qualification within the first 2-3 years of employment in a specialist class.
Yes. Teachers in special schools and specialist classes receive a special education supplement on top of base pay — typically 1,500-3,500 DKK per month depending on the municipality’s local agreement. Some areas also offer retention bonuses for schools working with pupils with severe behavioural challenges.
Special education teachers typically earn 20,000-50,000 DKK more per year than colleagues in mainstream primary schools, when special education supplements, diploma qualification allowances, and unsociable-hours payments are included. The difference grows with experience and the complexity of the student population.
A special education teacher earns on average 479,000 DKK per year in Denmark. This equals approximately 27,212 DKK after tax per month.
With the average salary of 479,000 DKK, you take home approximately 27,212 DKK per month after tax. This corresponds to an effective tax rate of 31.83%.
The salary range for special education teachers in Denmark goes from approximately 400,000 DKK (25th percentile) to 550,000 DKK (75th percentile) per year. Your actual salary depends on experience, education, and workplace.