Elementary School Teacher Salary in Paragould, AR: $56,948 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Paragould, AR earns a median $56,948/year (≈ $27.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Paragould's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $65,533 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the elementary school teacher salary in Paragould, AR, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $56,948, which signifies a notable deviation from the national median of $64,597. Salaries in the region vary considerably, with a range from $42,547 at the 10th percentile to $88,269 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for state-level economic factors, reflecting Paragould's unique market. The steps and lane structure often influences positioning on this scale, with educators with advanced degrees, such as a master's or a master's+30, positioned at higher salary levels. This context reveals both the investment in local teacher compensation and the potential for growth within this market, depending on qualifications and experience.
About the Paragould Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,547 | $20.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,849 | $25.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,948 | $27.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,893 | $35.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,269 | $42.44 |
Median Salary Position
11.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paragould
In Paragould, AR, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,722 (2026 est.). At $56,948, the local median is 11.84% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paragould: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paragould Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Paragould median: $56,948/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paragould Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $58,288 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -11.84% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Paragould, AR earn a median of $56,948 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.84% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 2.30% below the Arkansas state average of $58,288.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paragould has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Paragould, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $56,948 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,533 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,604
2025 BLS Actual
$56,395
2026 Current Est.
$56,948
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Paragould (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,604 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,724 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,129 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,385 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,139 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,143 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,395 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,948 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,506 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paragould metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $52,604 (2019) to $56,395 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,506 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,902 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paragould metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,547 – $52,849 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,849 – $56,948 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,948 – $72,893 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,893 – $88,269 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Paragould
Considering the local employment landscape, Paragould currently employs seven elementary school teachers, indicating a stable but potentially competitive job market. The area's cost of living index stands at 86.9, suggesting that while salaries may be slightly lower than the national average, teachers' purchasing power remains reasonably strong. K-12 public school districts usually offer the most competitive pay, benefitting from structured pay scales tied to years of service and education levels. Factors such as shortage area stipends for special education and STEM roles contribute to broader salary disparities, while districts might provide extra compensation for additional responsibilities like summer school or tutoring. To maximize earnings in Paragould, prospective teachers should consider obtaining advanced degrees and certifications, applying for positions in high-need areas, and actively seeking opportunities for extra contracts to bolster their annual income.
More salary data for Paragould, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $56,395 for elementary school teachersin the Paragould metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Paragould is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
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