Arkansas Teacher Salary

Average and starting teacher pay in Arkansas for 2024-25, ranked among all states.

Arkansas teacher salary at a glance

In 2024-25 the average public school teacher in Arkansas earned $59,193, according to NEA. That ranks 45th among the 50 states and D.C. and is $15,302 below the national average of $74,495. A year earlier the average was $58,337, so pay changed by 1.5%.

New teachers start lower. NEA's benchmark report puts the starting salary in Arkansas at $50,076, which ranks 16th of 51. The national average starting salary is $48,112.

ArkansasUnited States
Average salary 2024-25$59,193$74,495
Average salary 2023-24$58,337$71,985
Starting salary 2024-25$50,076$48,112
Average salary rank45 of 51
Starting salary rank16 of 51

States close to Arkansas in the ranking

North Carolina (43rd, $60,323), Montana (44th, $59,305), South Dakota (46th, $58,486), West Virginia (47th, $58,099). See all states ranked or compare Arkansas with another state.

Average salary covers all public school teachers and is what NEA reports for 2024-25. Starting salary is the pay at the bottom of a bachelor's-degree salary schedule, as collected in NEA's benchmark report. Salary figures do not include benefits and are not adjusted for cost of living. Source: NEA, Rankings of the States 2025 and Estimates of School Statistics 2026 (average salary, Table B-6, April 2026) and NEA, 2024-2025 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report (starting salary, April 2026). Ranks are among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Reviewed 2026-10-03.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average teacher salary in Arkansas?

NEA reports an average public school teacher salary of $59,193 in Arkansas for 2024-25, which ranks 45th of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.).

What is the starting teacher salary in Arkansas?

NEA's benchmark report lists a starting salary of $50,076 in Arkansas for 2024-25, ranking 16th of 51.

How does Arkansas compare with the national average?

The national average teacher salary is $74,495. Arkansas is $15,302 below it. For starting pay, the national average is $48,112 and Arkansas is $1,964 above.

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