The average salary for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $56,470. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,080.
- Outlook: The current demand for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 100 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Fort Smith, AR-OK economy.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-8.4%below the national average.
$27.1
$1,086
$4,706
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salaries in Fort Smith, AR-OK have remained stable with a modest increase of 5.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The earning potential for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Fort Smith, AR-OK varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $48,330, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $62,080.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $48,330 | $23.2 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $42,353 | $20.4 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $57,950 | $27.9 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $70,588 | $33.9 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $62,080 | $29.8 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $56,470 to $56,470.
Job Market Context
100
Total Jobs
1.04
Per 1K Jobs
0.69
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.69x the national average concentration of Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
100 people work as Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Fort Smith, AR-OK.
1.04 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $56,470. This typically ranges from $48,330 for entry-level positions to $62,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 8.4% lower than the national median of $61,640.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $56,470 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Fort Smith, AR-OK. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($59,780) and Hot Springs, AR.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 100 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 1.04 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK