How does Arkansas teacher pay compare to the national average?

Arkansas teachers earn about 23% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Do Arkansas teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Arkansas districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in Arkansas?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Arkansas.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Arkansas?

Yes. Almost every Arkansas district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Arkansas

Arkansas teachers earn an average of $52,582 per year — 23% below the national average.

$52,582State Average

$36,000Entry-Level (BS)

#46National Rank

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Arkansas Teacher Salary Overview

$36,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$52,582Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▼ Arkansas teachers earn 23% less than the national average (-$15,887)

How Arkansas Teacher Salaries Work

Arkansas sets a state minimum salary of $36,000 for beginning teachers. Districts may pay above the minimum, and salaries increase with experience and additional education.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

Arkansas significantly raised its minimum teacher salary in 2023. The Bentonville, Fayetteville, and Little Rock districts typically offer above-minimum pay.

Top Hiring Districts in Arkansas

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

Pulaski County Special School District216 open positions Jacksonville North Pulaski School District54 open positions Fort Smith School District29 open positions Harmony Grove Sch Dist(saline)28 open positions Highland School District27 open positions Little Rock School District26 open positions Marion School District21 open positions Lake Hamilton School District20 open positions Siloam Springs School District16 open positions Nettleton School District15 open positions

1,023 total open positions across Arkansas school districts.

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See the full picture

Arkansas ranks #46 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Arkansas?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Arkansas teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

Arkansas Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Arkansas — apply directly on district sites.

View Arkansas jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Arkansas Department of Education.

Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in Arkansas

What is the average teacher salary in Arkansas?: The average public-school teacher salary in Arkansas is approximately $52,582 per year (source: Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
How does Arkansas teacher pay compare to the national average?: Arkansas teachers earn about 23% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.
Do Arkansas teachers get paid during the summer?: Most Arkansas districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.
What's the highest-paying school district in Arkansas?: Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Arkansas.
Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Arkansas?: Yes. Almost every Arkansas district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.