Fort Smith vs Van Buren: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,136 | $54,112▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.55 | $26.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,451▲ | $44,518 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,945 | $50,921▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,930 | $68,232▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,228 | $83,874▲ |
| Total Employed | 840▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Van Buren, AR offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Van Buren is $976 (1.84%). Van Buren's median is -16.23% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $34,777,Van Buren spans $39,356. Van Buren has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Van Buren ($62,269 effective) pays 0.65% more than Fort Smith ($61,867 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Van Buren if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,112/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,874)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,269)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Fort Smith grew 13.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.8% growth in Van Buren over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$46,570 (2019) → $52,620 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$41,945 (2024) → $53,587 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Fort Smith or Van Buren?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Van Buren?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Van Buren as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Fort Smith vs Van Buren?
Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov