Average Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, earn an average annual salary of $32,380. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,520, a common occurrence in regions with a lower cost of living and potentially different funding structures for educational support roles. Local economic factors and demand play a significant role in shaping compensation for these vital positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 45.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,230.
- Outlook: The job market for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, in Fort Smith, AR-OK, appears stable, with a total local workforce of 770 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.9 suggests a concentration that is very close to the national average, indicating a balanced presence of these professionals within the local economy. This steady demand, reflected in 8.014 jobs per 1,000 workers, points to a consistent need for their services.
Salary Overview
The average Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-8.8%below the national average.
$15.6
$623
$2,698
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fort Smith is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation adjustments, and evolving educational needs typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for support staff in the education sector.
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Career progression for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and advanced certifications can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $20,110 | $9.7 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $24,285 | $11.7 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $29,360 | $14.1 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $40,475 | $19.5 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $48,230 | $23.2 |
Detailed Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $32,380 in Fort Smith, AR-OK, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Teaching Assistant's salary in Fort Smith is comparable to that of someone earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living. Therefore, the salary offers a standard level of financial comfort relative to local expenses.
Job Market Context
770
Total Jobs
8.014
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.90x the national average concentration of Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.9, the Fort Smith, AR-OK market for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary, is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a healthy and competitive job market where the number of professionals aligns well with the demand for their services. It indicates neither an oversupply nor a significant shortage, creating a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary | $37,160↑ 15% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary Salary | $33,700↑ 4% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondarys?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $32,380. This typically ranges from $20,110 for entry-level positions to $48,230 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 8.8% lower than the national median of $35,520.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondarys?
No, not exceptionally lucrative, but financially stable.The average salary of $32,380 is below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making it a financially comparable location. The market is stable, not experiencing a shortage that would drive up wages significantly.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondarys?
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 ($37,160) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does experience affect a Teaching Assistant's salary in Fort Smith?
Experience is a key driver of salary growth for Teaching Assistants. Entry-level roles typically offer lower pay, while those with several years of experience and specialized skills can earn substantially more, reflecting increased value and responsibility.
What is the job outlook for Teaching Assistants in Fort Smith?
The job outlook is stable, with a workforce size and concentration (Location Quotient) close to the national average. This indicates consistent demand for Teaching Assistants in the local educational system.
How does Fort Smith's cost of living compare to the national average?
Fort Smith, AR-OK has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Are there many Teaching Assistant jobs available in Fort Smith?
There are approximately 8.014 Teaching Assistant jobs per 1,000 workers in Fort Smith, indicating a steady presence of these roles within the local job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 770 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 8.014 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK