Middle School Teacher Salary in Arkansas
Based on 6K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$59,570
$28.64/hr
vs National Average
$68,569
-13.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $74K
6K employed in Arkansas
Middle school teachers in Arkansas earn a median salary of $59,570 per year, according to recent labor data. With approximately 6,140 educators employed in this role statewide, teaching remains a significant profession in Arkansas. However, the middle school teacher salary in Arkansas falls about 13% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and state funding variations for public education.
Several factors influence compensation for middle school teachers in Arkansas, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific school district budgets. Teachers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications often earn toward the higher end of the $49,780 to $74,100 salary range. Additionally, rural versus urban district locations, individual school performance metrics, and state education policy changes can affect earning potential and career progression opportunities in the field.
Salary Distribution — Middle School Teacher in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,780 |
| 25th percentile | $51,680 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,570 |
| 75th percentile | $61,830 |
| 90th percentile | $74,100 |
Top-Paying Industries for Middle School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Middle School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Middle School Teachers in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $65,240 | — |
| Educational Services | $64,390 | 619K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $58,330 | 560 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $54,370 | 290 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Middle School Teacher in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,460 |
| 2023 | $52,350 |
| 2024 | $56,980 |
| 2025 | $59,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,278 |
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 | $49,460 | $62,704 |
| 2023 | $52,350 | $65,652 |
| 2024 | $56,980 | $65,433 |
| 2025 | $59,570 | $68,569 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,278 | $71,686 |
Middle School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $51,680 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,570 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $61,830 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $74,100 |
Middle School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Middle School Teacher Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Middle School Teacher ($59,570 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Middle School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in AR | $67,100 | +12.6% | $32.26/hr |
| School Counselor in AR | $59,770 | +0.3% | $28.74/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in AR | $59,660 | +0.2% | $28.68/hr |
| Librarian in AR | $56,800 | -4.6% | $27.31/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in AR | $52,700 | -11.5% | $25.34/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in AR | $52,060 | -12.6% | $25.03/hr |
| Tutor in AR | $30,810 | -48.3% | $14.81/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in AR | $59,460 | -0.2% | $28.59/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in AR | $59,030 | -0.9% | $28.38/hr |
| Social Worker in AR | $58,590 | -1.6% | $28.17/hr |
| Tax Examiner in AR | $60,600 | +1.7% | $29.13/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in AR | $61,230 | +2.8% | $29.44/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do middle school teachers make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for middle school teachers in Arkansas is $59,570 per year, or approximately $29 per hour. This is about 13.1% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for middle school teachers in Arkansas?
- Middle school teachers in Arkansas earn between $49,780 and $74,100 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and school district. This represents a salary spread of over $24,000 between entry-level and top-earning positions.
Is teaching middle school in Arkansas paid less than the national average?
- Yes, middle school teachers in Arkansas earn 13.1% less than the national average. The median salary of $59,570 in Arkansas falls notably below what teachers earn nationwide for the same position.
How many middle school teachers are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 6,140 middle school teachers currently employed in Arkansas, making it a significant workforce segment in the state's education system.