Special Education Teacher Salary in Little Rock, AR: $54,775 (2026)

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

Little Rock offers a median special education teacher salary of $54,775, which is $1,889 above the Arkansas state average of $52,886. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $54,775 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Little Rock spans from $36,540 at the 10th percentile to $83,520 at the 90th percentile — a $46,980 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,280, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,300. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $38,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$38,280

$-5,720 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,680

$-8,320 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$78,300

$-11,700 vs national

Percentile	Little Rock	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$36,540	$35,280	$42,000
25th Percentile	$43,500	$42,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$54,775	$52,886	$62,960
75th Percentile	$67,860	$65,520	$78,000
90th Percentile	$83,520	$80,640	$96,000

Percentile

Little Rock

10th Percentile

$36,540

25th Percentile

$43,500

Median (50th)

$54,775

75th Percentile

$67,860

90th Percentile

$83,520

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Little Rock

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Little Rock

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

The median special education teacher salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $54,775 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $36,540 (10th percentile) to $83,520 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $54,775, a special education teacher in Little Rock earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Little Rock's median special education teacher salary of $54,775 is 3.6% above the Arkansas state average of $52,886. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼

Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $54,775 in Little Rock 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 Little Rock? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Little Rock 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 Little Rock, Arkansas