Creative & Education Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

ESL Teacher Salary in Arkansas

The median esl teacher salary in Arkansas is $47,040 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $56,000.

Median Salary
$47,040
vs National
$-8,960
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

ESL Teacher Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for esl teacher compensation. ESL Teacher salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $47,040 per year, esl teachers in Arkansas earn $8,960 less than the national median of $56,000.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $47,040 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $56,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: esl teachers at the 10th percentile earn $30,240, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $73,920 — a $43,680 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $49,280.

Nationally, esl teacher employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for esl teachers across the country.

ESL Teacher Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $31,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,560 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,920
$-6,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,880
$-9,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,560
$-13,440 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $30,240
25th Percentile $36,960
Median (50th) $47,040
75th Percentile $60,480
90th Percentile $73,920

ESL Teacher Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for esl teachers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Arkansas

Education

Most esl teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

ESL MethodsLesson PlanningCultural CompetencyAssessmentPatienceCommunication

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, esl teacher employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Arkansas

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Arkansas? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Arkansas is $47,040 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $30,240 (10th percentile) to $73,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,040, a esl teacher in Arkansas earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for esl teachers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for esl teacher pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level esl teachers earn $31,920, while senior professionals earn $70,560.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for esl teacher salary? ▼
The highest paying state for esl teachers is Hawaii at $95,200. Arkansas's median of $47,040 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($48,720) and Oklahoma ($48,160).
What is the entry-level esl teacher salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level esl teacher in Arkansas earns approximately $31,920 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $47,880. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $70,560.
What city in Arkansas pays esl teachers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for esl teachers, with a median salary of $49,280. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.