Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Education
K-12 Teacher Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Education • Office of Educator Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$50,550 median (19% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#45 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for K-12 Teacher licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Education~Office of Educator Licensure and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $50,550, K-12 Teachers in Arkansas earn 19% below the national median of $62,340. Arkansas ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$50,550Hourly estimate
$24.3019% below national median
Difference: -$11,790
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationK-12 Teacher Salary Ranking
#45 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $99,110 |
| #2 | California | $98,190 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | $86,900 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $83,260 |
| #5 | New York | $82,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
K-12 Teacher licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $50,550 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $48,250 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $52,690 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $48,440 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $52,280 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $61,380 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $47,470 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Missouri | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Mississippi | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Louisiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Texas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Education • Office of Educator Licensure
Four Capitol Mall, Room 106-B, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Phone: 5016824342
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $63,620 | Degree required | 5 years |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,610 | Degree required | 5 years |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $63,170 | Degree required | 5 years |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $65,020 | Degree required | 5 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for K-12 Teachers in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for K-12 Teachers.
What education do you need to become a K-12 Teacher in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for K-12 Teacher licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Arkansas is $50,550. Salaries range from $41,750 (10th percentile) to $64,680 (90th percentile).
How does the K-12 Teacher salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
K-12 Teachers in Arkansas earn 19% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $50,550.
How many K-12 Teachers work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 12,510 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for K-12 Teachers in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Education / Office of Educator Licensure. Review agency details at https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/.
How often do you renew a K-12 Teacher license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.