Average salary in Arkansas
Arkansas, also known as The Natural State, is located in the southern United States. The state's varied landscapes offer plenty of recreational opportunities, from the Ozark Mountains to the Mississippi Delta region. However, before deciding to relocate to Arkansas, it is essential to research the financial landscape. What are the average salaries, and which counties offer the highest-paying jobs?
Determining what is considered a ‘good’ salary in Arkansas is dependent on the cost of living in the state. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Arkansas has a relatively low cost of living, ranking 17th lowest in the country. This factor should be taken into consideration when reviewing the state's average salaries.
According to the United States Census Bureau's QuickFacts, average earnings in the top 10 most populous cities in Arkansas are as follows:
| City | Average earnings |
|---|---|
| Little Rock | $58,161 |
| Fort Smith | $44,775 |
| Fayetteville | $50,990 |
| Springdale | $45,300 |
| Jonesboro | $46,798 |
| Rogers | $48,344 |
| Conway | $48,468 |
| North Little Rock | $46,462 |
| Bentonville | $62,538 |
| Pine Bluff | $35,121 |
Average salary in Arkansas by county
Reviewing average salaries in Arkansas by city is not necessarily an adequate metric for average salaries across the state, since it’s entirely urban focused. A good idea is to weigh these figures up against the average salary in Arkansas by county, as this will take areas outside the main cities into account and offer a broader idea of salary ranges.
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for all occupations in Arkansas was $44,270 as of May 2020. This is lower than the national average of $56,310. However, there are counties within the state that offer higher salaries.
Below are the highest-paying counties in Arkansas according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
| County | Average household income |
|---|---|
| Benton County | $53,540 |
| Washington County | $52,080 |
| Faulkner County | $50,990 |
| Pulaski County | $49,640 |
| Saline County | $48,860 |
Highest paying jobs in Arkansas
There’s another weighty factor that will influence how much you earn if you live in Arkansas: your job type. Average salaries for various sectors and job roles can vary massively across the state, so it’s absolutely something to consider when looking at salaries by location.
Zippia has calculated a comprehensive list of annual salaries by job title. You can also find the top 10 highest-paying titles in Arkansas below.
| Occupation | Average salary |
|---|---|
| Clinical Physician Assistant | $148,277 |
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist | $144,974 |
| Family Practitioner | $139,210 |
| Emergency Medicine Specialist | $136,198 |
| Senior Director of Business Development | $128,668 |
| Director, Software Quality Assurance | $118,211 |
| Director of Business Systems | $117,468 |
| Public Health Dentist | $115,329 |
| Director of New Product Development | $112,550 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $112,072 |
Frequently asked questions about salaries in Arkansas
What is the average salary in Arkansas by age?
Similar to other states, salaries in Arkansas can also be dependent on age. According to data from the US Census Bureau, median household income in Arkansas varies by age as follows: householders under 25 have a median household income of $27,743; householders aged 25 to 44 years old have a median income of $53,787; those aged 45 to 64 years old have a median income of $60,570; and those 65 and older have a median income of $42,019.
What is a ‘good’ salary in Arkansas?
The median income in Arkansas is $48,952. However, what constitutes a ‘good’ salary will depend on individual circumstances such as location, job industry, education level, and personal financial obligations. In general, earning above the median income can be considered a good salary, but it is important to take into account one’s specific situation and living costs.
What is the average salary in Arkansas by hour?
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage in Arkansas as of May 2020 was $20.31. However, this can vary depending on industry and occupation. Some jobs, such as those in healthcare, management, and technology, may command higher hourly wages than others.
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Content writer
Kate has written for leading publications and blue chip companies over the last 20 years.