Elementary School Teacher Salary in Arkansas
Based on 13K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$52,700
$25.34/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
-22.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$49K – $63K
13K employed in Arkansas
Elementary School Teacher salary in Arkansas averages $52,700 per year, according to current employment data. With approximately 12,590 teachers working in elementary schools across the state, this represents a substantial portion of Arkansas's education workforce. However, this median salary falls about 23% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and state education funding levels.
Several factors influence Elementary School Teacher salary in Arkansas, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific district funding. Teachers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications typically earn more than those with bachelor's degrees alone. Additionally, district wealth and location within the state can create salary variations, as more affluent districts often offer higher compensation packages to attract and retain qualified educators.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,380 |
| 25th percentile | $50,940 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $52,700 |
| 75th percentile | $60,750 |
| 90th percentile | $63,120 |
Top-Paying Industries for Elementary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Elementary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Elementary School Teachers in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $72,990 | 540 |
| Educational Services | $63,970 | 1.4M |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $49,340 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $46,390 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Elementary School Teacher in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,590 |
| 2023 | $50,980 |
| 2024 | $50,550 |
| 2025 | $52,700 |
| 2026 (projected) | $54,941 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,590 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $50,980 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $50,550 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $52,700 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $54,941 | $71,076 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $50,940 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $52,700 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $60,750 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $63,120 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Elementary School Teacher ($52,700 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in AR | $67,100 | +27.3% | $32.26/hr |
| School Counselor in AR | $59,770 | +13.4% | $28.74/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in AR | $59,660 | +13.2% | $28.68/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in AR | $59,570 | +13.0% | $28.64/hr |
| Librarian in AR | $56,800 | +7.8% | $27.31/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in AR | $52,060 | -1.2% | $25.03/hr |
| Tutor in AR | $30,810 | -41.5% | $14.81/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in AR | $52,290 | -0.8% | $25.14/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in AR | $51,580 | -2.1% | $24.80/hr |
| Truck Driver in AR | $51,550 | -2.2% | $24.78/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in AR | $54,660 | +3.7% | $26.28/hr |
| Web Developer in AR | $50,550 | -4.1% | $24.30/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers make in Arkansas?
- Elementary school teachers in Arkansas earn a median salary of $52,700 per year, which breaks down to approximately $25 per hour. This is about 22.7% lower than the national average for the same position.
What is the salary range for elementary teachers in Arkansas?
- Elementary school teacher salaries in Arkansas range from $49,380 to $63,120 annually, depending on experience, location, and school district.
Is teaching elementary school in Arkansas below the national average?
- Yes, the median salary of $52,700 for elementary school teachers in Arkansas is 22.7% below the national average, making it a lower-paying state for this profession.
How many elementary school teachers are employed in Arkansas?
- There are currently 12,590 elementary school teachers employed throughout Arkansas.