Special Education Teacher Salary in Jonesboro, AR: $51,627 (2026)

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

Jonesboro offers a median special education teacher salary of $51,627, which is $1,259 below the Arkansas state average of $52,886. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Jonesboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jonesboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $51,627 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Jonesboro an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Jonesboro spans from $34,440 at the 10th percentile to $78,720 at the 90th percentile — a $44,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,080, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,800. Jonesboro is a smaller market (pop. 78,576), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Jonesboro by Experience

In Jonesboro, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $36,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,080

$-7,920 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$52,480

$-11,520 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$73,800

$-16,200 vs national

Percentile	Jonesboro	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$34,440	$35,280	$42,000
25th Percentile	$41,000	$42,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$51,627	$52,886	$62,960
75th Percentile	$63,960	$65,520	$78,000
90th Percentile	$78,720	$80,640	$96,000

Percentile

Jonesboro

10th Percentile

$34,440

25th Percentile

$41,000

Median (50th)

$51,627

75th Percentile

$63,960

90th Percentile

$78,720

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Jonesboro

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Jonesboro

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

The median special education teacher salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas is $51,627 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $34,440 (10th percentile) to $78,720 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $51,627, a special education teacher in Jonesboro earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Jonesboro's median special education teacher salary of $51,627 is 2.4% below the Arkansas state average of $52,886. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Jonesboro, AR? ▼

Jonesboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $51,627 in Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro, Arkansas