Average Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The average salary for a Special Education Teachers, Middle School in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $54,860. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,600.
- Outlook: The current demand for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 50 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Fort Smith, AR-OK economy.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Middle School in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-9.5%below the national average.
$26.4
$1,055
$4,572
Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Special Education Teachers, Middle School salaries in Fort Smith, AR-OK have shown healthy growth of 10.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The earning potential for Special Education Teachers, Middle 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 $44,830, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $64,600.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $44,830 | $21.6 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $41,145 | $19.8 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $52,710 | $25.3 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $68,575 | $33 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $64,600 | $31.1 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Middle School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,860
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $54,860 to $54,860.
Job Market Context
50
Total Jobs
0.565
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.91x the national average concentration of Special Education Teachers, Middle School jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
50 people work as Special Education Teachers, Middle School in Fort Smith, AR-OK.
Only 0.565 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Special Education Teachers, Middle School roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Special Education Teachers, Middle School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary | $64,330↑ 17% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Middle School make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Middle School in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $54,860. This typically ranges from $44,830 for entry-level positions to $64,600 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 9.5% lower than the national median of $60,600.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $54,860 (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, Middle 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 ($64,330) and others.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 50 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 0.565 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- All Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Production Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Management Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Browse All Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Special Education Teachers, Middle School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK