Average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The average salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $57,010. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,010 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,470.
- Outlook: The current demand for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 80 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Fort Smith, AR-OK economy.
Salary Overview
The average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-7.1%below the national average.
$27.4
$1,096
$4,751
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salaries in Fort Smith, AR-OK have remained stable with a modest increase of 9.7%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The earning potential for Special Education Teachers, Secondary 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 $45,770, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $73,470.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $45,770 | $22 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $42,758 | $20.6 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $53,410 | $25.7 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $71,263 | $34.3 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $73,470 | $35.3 |
Detailed Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,010
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,010
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $57,010 to $57,010.
Job Market Context
80
Total Jobs
0.873
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.83x the national average concentration of Special Education Teachers, Secondary School jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
80 people work as Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Fort Smith, AR-OK.
Only 0.873 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Special Education Teachers, Secondary School roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $59,840↑ 5% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary | $54,430↓ 5% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $57,010. This typically ranges from $45,770 for entry-level positions to $73,470 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 7.1% lower than the national median of $61,380.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $57,010 (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, Secondary 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 ($59,840) 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 80 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 0.873 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, Secondary School • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK