Special Education Teacher Salary in Fort Smith, AR: $50,368 (2026)

Special Education Teacher Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median special education teacher salary of $50,368, which is $2,518 below the Arkansas state average of $52,886. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Fort Smith pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fort Smith's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $50,368 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Fort Smith spans from $33,600 at the 10th percentile to $76,800 at the 90th percentile — a $43,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,200, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,000. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $35,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$35,200

$-8,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$51,200

$-12,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$72,000

$-18,000 vs national

Percentile	Fort Smith	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$33,600	$35,280	$42,000
25th Percentile	$40,000	$42,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$50,368	$52,886	$62,960
75th Percentile	$62,400	$65,520	$78,000
90th Percentile	$76,800	$80,640	$96,000

Percentile

Fort Smith

10th Percentile

$33,600

25th Percentile

$40,000

Median (50th)

$50,368

75th Percentile

$62,400

90th Percentile

$76,800

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Fort Smith

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

IEP DevelopmentAdaptive TeachingAssessmentBehavioral ManagementCommunicationPatience

Job Outlook

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼

The median special education teacher salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $50,368 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $76,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $50,368, a special education teacher in Fort Smith earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for special education teacher pay? ▼

Fort Smith's median special education teacher salary of $50,368 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $52,886. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR? ▼

Fort Smith has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $50,368 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a special education teacher in Fort Smith? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include IEP Development, Adaptive Teaching, Assessment, Behavioral Management. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas