US
Fayetteville, AR
Arkansas salary market
$58.6K
Avg / Year
-7% vs U.S.
vs National
250
Employment
$4.9K
Monthly Avg
Updated for 2026

Elementary Special Education Teacher Salary in Fayetteville, AR (2026)

The Elementary Special Education Teacher salary in Fayetteville, AR for 2026 is presented as a modeled salary benchmark built from the latest official BLS wage baseline, then extended with wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available. This guide compares the Fayetteville, AR market with the U.S. baseline and breaks projected pay down by experience, skills, industry, and nearby markets. Official BLS and O*NET title: "Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten And Elementary School".

Official BLS baseline: 2024Fayetteville, AR city pageModeled salary guide10 min read
City Average
$58.6K
per year
Entry Level
$48.1K
starting range
Senior Level
$64.4K
upper local band
Remote / Hybrid
$59.7K
modeled local premium
Monthly
$4.9K
avg before tax
Hourly Rate
N/A
median equivalent
Salary figures projected to 2026  from May 2024BLS OEWS baseline  ·  Projections use wage history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available
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Elementary Special Education Teacher Salary Overview in Fayetteville, AR

Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Elementary Special Education Teacher pay in Fayetteville, AR at about $58,569.0 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $48,790.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $72,990.0.

Salary estimates are based on data from the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Ar metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities such as Springdale, and Rogers.

If you’re comparing Elementary Special Education Teacher salaries in Fayetteville, AR, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.

Fayetteville, AR vs. U.S. National Average

Fayetteville, AR pays -7% vs u.s. for Elementary Special Education Teacher roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.

United States National Average
$63.0K
all U.S. markets combined
-7%
Fayetteville, AR Premium
Fayetteville, AR City Average
$58.6K
Elementary Special Education Teacher
MarketProjected Salaryvs Fayetteville, ARMarket Maturity
Fayetteville, AR (this guide)$58,569.0BaselineLocal market
United States$63,000.0+8% vs U.S.National baseline
Fort Smith, AR$57,950.0-1% vs U.S.Comparable city
Hot Springs, AR$56,740.0-3% vs U.S.Comparable city
Little Rock, AR$55,450.0-5% vs U.S.Comparable city
Why Fayetteville, AR pay differsThe strongest city salary premiums usually appear where employers compete for specialized talent, where the role is concentrated, and where local costs make compensation harder to hold down.

Elementary Special Education Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Fayetteville, AR

Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Fayetteville, AR, this breakdown shows how aElementary Special Education Teacher can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.

Entry-Level
0-2 years
$53.8K
N/A/hr median equivalent
$48.1K - $58.6K
Mid-Level
3-5 years
$58.6K
N/A/hr median equivalent
$53.8K - $64.4K
Senior
6-10 years
$64.4K
N/A/hr median equivalent
$58.6K - $72.0K
Lead / Principal
10+ years
$72.0K
N/A/hr median equivalent
$64.4K - $87.8K
LevelExperienceProjected SalaryProjected RangeMarket Signal
Entry-Level Elementary Special Education Teacher0-2 years$53,796.0$48,116.0 - $58,569.0-15% vs U.S.
Mid-Level Elementary Special Education Teacher3-5 years$58,569.0$53,796.0 - $64,378.0-7% vs U.S.
Senior Elementary Special Education Teacher6-10 years$64,378.0$58,569.0 - $71,981.0+2% vs U.S.
Lead / Principal Elementary Special Education Teacher10+ years$71,981.0$64,378.0 - $87,817.0+14% vs U.S.
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Best Salary Areas Near Fayetteville, AR

Nearby metro areas help show how Elementary Special Education Teacher pay changes around Fayetteville, AR. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.

#1
Fayetteville, AR
$58.6K
avg / year
Salary estimates are based on data from the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Ar metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities such as Springdale, and Rogers.
This guide
#2
Fort Smith, AR
$58.0K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Elementary Special Education Teacher salaries around Fayetteville, AR.
-1% vs U.S.
#3
Hot Springs, AR
$56.7K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Elementary Special Education Teacher salaries around Fayetteville, AR.
-3% vs U.S.
#4
Little Rock, AR
$55.5K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Elementary Special Education Teacher salaries around Fayetteville, AR.
-5% vs U.S.
#5
Jonesboro, AR
$52.5K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Elementary Special Education Teacher salaries around Fayetteville, AR.
-10% vs U.S.

Elementary Special Education Teacher Salary by Industry in Fayetteville, AR

Industry premiums in Fayetteville, AR usually come from employers that place the Elementary Special Education Teacher role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.

IndustryModeled SalaryReference RangeSignal
Administrative, Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services$74,320.0$43,230.0 - $108,070Stronger salary
Health Care and Social Assistance$66,440.0$40,990.0 - $105,320Stronger salary
Government Excluding Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service$64,530.0$45,310.0 - $100,880Stronger salary
Other Services Except Public Administration$63,290.0$47,360.0 - $78,640.0Competitive
Government, Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service$63,220.0$47,770.0 - $100,950Competitive
Educational Services$62,990.0$47,600.0 - $100,620Competitive

Entry-Level Elementary Special Education Teacher Salary in Fayetteville, AR

Entry-level Elementary Special Education Teacher jobs in Fayetteville, AR are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.

For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Elementary Special Education Teacher salary guide.

Entry estimateA reasonable entry-level salary benchmark for Elementary Special Education Teacher roles in Fayetteville, AR is about $53,796.0.
Preparation pathBachelor's degree. Typical education: Bachelor's degree Training signal: Training expectations vary by employer

Remote vs Onsite Elementary Special Education Teacher Pay in Fayetteville, AR

Remote work can widen the employer pool for Elementary Special Education Teacher candidates in Fayetteville, AR. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.

Local Onsite Role
$58,569.0
avg local employer
Hybrid Role
$59,740.4
modeled local premium
+2% local avg
Work TypeEstimated SalaryExperienceBest FitFlexibility
Remote$57,397.6Market dependentNational hiring poolsHigh
Hybrid$59,740.4Metro dependentFayetteville, AR employersMedium
Onsite$58,569.0Location dependentLocal teams and operationsLower

Cost of Living vs Salary in Fayetteville, AR

A salary in Fayetteville, AR should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.

Monthly Expense
Entry
Mid
Senior
Housing / rent
$780.9
$1.1K
$1.4K
Transport / commute
$170.8
$195.2
$219.6
Food and groceries
$366.1
$390.5
$439.3
Utilities and internet
$170.8
$195.2
$219.6
Estimated remainder
$1.7K
$2.5K
$3.1K
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Top Employers Hiring Elementary Special Education Teachers in Fayetteville, AR

Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Elementary Special Education Teacher pay tends to be strongest in Fayetteville, AR, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.

1
Administrative, Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services employers
$74.3K
Industry benchmark for Elementary Special Education Teacher roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
2
Health Care and Social Assistance employers
$66.4K
Industry benchmark for Elementary Special Education Teacher roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
3
Government Excluding Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service employers
$64.5K
Industry benchmark for Elementary Special Education Teacher roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
4
Other Services Except Public Administration employers
$63.3K
Industry benchmark for Elementary Special Education Teacher roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
5
Government, Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service employers
$63.2K
Industry benchmark for Elementary Special Education Teacher roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
6
Educational Services employers
$63.0K
Industry benchmark for Elementary Special Education Teacher roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.

Fayetteville, AR Compared With Other U.S. Cities

This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherFayetteville, AR is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Elementary Special Education Teacher work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.

Fayetteville, AR
This guide
$58.6K
Baseline
Fort Smith, AR
Nearby U.S. market
$58.0K
-1% vs U.S.
Hot Springs, AR
Nearby U.S. market
$56.7K
-3% vs U.S.
Little Rock, AR
Nearby U.S. market
$55.5K
-5% vs U.S.
Jonesboro, AR
Nearby U.S. market
$52.5K
-10% vs U.S.
Hot Springs, AR
Nearby U.S. market
$55.2K
-6% vs U.S.
Fort Smith, AR
Nearby U.S. market
$53.9K
-8% vs U.S.

Career Growth Opportunities in Fayetteville, AR

Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.

1
Intern / Trainee
$36.5K - $49.1K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
2
Junior
$45.4K - $59.9K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
3
Mid Level
$56.7K - $70.6K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
4
Senior
$68.0K - $88.2K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
5
Lead
$80.6K - $102K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
6
Principal / Architect
$94.5K - $129K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
BLS Demand SignalEmployment is projected to change by -1.8% from 2024 to 2034.
DecliningAnnual openings: 15.4 thousand.
Metric2026 Outlook
Projected employment230.2k → 226.1k
Typical educationBachelor's degree
Related experienceNone
Local market anchor250 jobs with a median of $58,569.0

Factors Affecting Elementary Special Education Teacher Salary in Fayetteville, AR

Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.

Years of Experience
Salary usually rises as the role moves from entry-level execution to independent ownership, mentoring, and broader decision-making.
Location and Cost of Living
Local salary ranges vary by labor market, employer density, and household-income context.
Industry
Industry pay can vary when employers in higher-margin or harder-to-staff sectors compete for the same occupation.
Specialized Skills
O*NET marks high-demand role-specific skills as relevant skills for this role, making them useful anchors for specialization and salary-growth content.

How to Increase Your Elementary Special Education Teacher Salary in Fayetteville, AR

In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.

1
Benchmark against stronger markets
Compare national, metro, and industry salary facts before negotiating so your target range is grounded in current wage data.
1-3 months timeline
2
Build a visible specialization
Prioritize skills such as high-demand role-specific skills; O*NET relevance scores make these good first candidates for portfolio and resume positioning.
3-9 months timeline
3
Target higher-paying industries
Use industry salary facts to identify sectors that already pay above the occupation baseline.
2-6 months timeline
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Elementary Special Education Teacher Salary in Fayetteville, AR: FAQs

These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.

These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Elementary Special Education Teacher" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.

What is the average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten And Elementary School salary?
The latest national baseline for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten And Elementary School is about $63,000 per year, based on the current BLS-derived salary facts in CareerClev.
What is the entry-level Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten And Elementary School salary?
Entry-level estimates for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten And Elementary School are modeled around the lower BLS percentile range, currently about $47,600 per year nationally.
How much can senior Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten And Elementary School professionals earn?
Senior Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten And Elementary School estimates are modeled from upper percentile wage bands and currently sit around $79,300 per year nationally.
Does location affect Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten And Elementary School salary?
Yes. CareerClev stores salary facts by national, state, and metro locations, so location-specific pages should use the closest available geography instead of a single national number.
Which skills matter for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten And Elementary School salary growth?
CareerClev uses O*NET skill importance and level scores to identify role-relevant skills. These are useful for recommendations, but should not be presented as measured salary premiums unless enriched compensation data exists.
Data
Data Sources & MethodologyUpdated using 2024 BLS OEWS salary facts, O*NET occupation-skill data, Census location context where available, ILOSTAT country benchmarks where mapped, BLS Employment Projections where imported, and Stack Overflow Developer Survey enrichment for mapped tech roles.
Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.
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