Little Rock vs Van Buren: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Little Rock, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Little Rock, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,154▲ | $54,112 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.44▲ | $26.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,864▲ | $44,518 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,126▲ | $50,921 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,295 | $68,232▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,918 | $83,874▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,210▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Van Buren.
The salary gap between Little Rock and Van Buren is $5,042 (9.32%). Little Rock's median is -8.43% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Little Rock spans $23,054,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, Little Rock ($66,194 effective) pays 6.30% more than Van Buren ($62,269 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,154/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,194)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Van Buren if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,874)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Little Rock grew 14.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.8% growth in Van Buren over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$51,130 (2019) → $58,580 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$41,945 (2024) → $53,587 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Little Rock or Van Buren?
What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Van Buren?
Should I relocate from Little Rock to Van Buren as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Little Rock 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