Arkansas salaries by occupation
The median worker in Arkansas earned $41,020 a year in 2024, about $19.72 an hour, 17.1% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 579 occupations.
Median pay $41,020 $19.72 per hour
Vs national median -17.1% U.S. $49,500
Workers 1,288,810 wage and salary
Occupations reported 579 with at least 100 employed
What Arkansas is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | 7.93× | 9,350 | $36,290 |
| Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products | 6.35× | 1,430 | $34,040 |
| Logging Equipment Operators | 5.14× | 970 | $46,580 |
| Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood | 4.67× | 1,680 | $36,120 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | 4.49× | 6,280 | $35,580 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | 3.63× | 1,620 | $48,620 |
| Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators | 3.37× | 520 | $39,560 |
| Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 3.28× | 1,570 | $44,780 |
| Millwrights | 3.18× | 1,080 | $59,510 |
| Food Processing Workers, All Other | 3.09× | 1,500 | $36,070 |
Metro areas in Arkansas
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 7 Arkansas metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | $45,610 | $21.93 | 620,100 | #236 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers | $44,870 | $21.57 | 266,970 | #267 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway | $44,730 | $21.50 | 352,900 | #273 |
| Texarkana | $41,050 | $19.74 | 57,420 | #342 |
| Jonesboro | $39,900 | $19.18 | 59,780 | #355 |
| Fort Smith | $38,340 | $18.43 | 96,450 | #371 |
| Hot Springs | $36,010 | $17.31 | 37,840 | #383 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $192,910 | $92.74 | 220 | #6 of 31 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $178,830 | n/a | 1,980 | #1 of 49 |
| Dentists, General | $172,490 | $82.93 | 990 | #22 of 46 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $165,980 | n/a | 340 | #9 of 18 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | $143,490 | $68.99 | 100 | #2 of 24 |
| Public Relations Managers | $140,970 | $67.77 | 260 | #11 of 46 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $134,430 | $64.63 | 320 | #22 of 46 |
| Pharmacists | $134,230 | $64.54 | 3,100 | #39 of 51 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $134,230 | $64.53 | 320 | #25 of 25 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $132,660 | $63.78 | 960 | #48 of 49 |
| Marketing Managers | $127,320 | $61.21 | 1,530 | #32 of 47 |
| Chief Executives | $121,220 | $58.28 | 2,270 | #32 of 33 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 36,150 | $26,740 | $12.86 |
| General and Operations Managers | 35,710 | $64,260 | $30.90 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 32,290 | $49,520 | $23.81 |
| Retail Salespersons | 31,350 | $29,420 | $14.14 |
| Cashiers | 30,620 | $27,370 | $13.16 |
| Office Clerks, General | 30,390 | $36,480 | $17.54 |
| Registered Nurses | 28,320 | $77,130 | $37.08 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 27,300 | $31,620 | $15.20 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 23,060 | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 21,120 | $37,490 | $18.02 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Arkansas
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 77
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $113,770
- Power Plant Operators $88,860
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $81,490
- Gas Plant Operators $81,310
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $61,110
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $56,180
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $54,410
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $52,830
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $51,520
- Tool and Die Makers $50,380
- Machinists $48,820
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $48,810
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $48,600
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,570
- Printing Press Operators $48,310
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $47,440
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $47,300
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $47,100
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $46,130
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $45,880
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,830
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,520
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $45,510
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,280
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,250
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,020
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $44,790
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $44,780
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $44,710
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $44,410
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $43,700
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $43,520
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $42,110
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $41,930
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $41,920
- Upholsterers $41,890
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $41,830
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $41,570
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $40,690
- Pourers and Casters, Metal $40,300
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $40,220
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $39,560
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $39,450
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $39,430
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $39,430
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $39,160
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners $38,650
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $38,310
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $38,160
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $38,090
- Furniture Finishers $37,830
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $37,770
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $37,690
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $37,660
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $37,640
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $37,600
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers $37,020
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $36,930
- Etchers and Engravers $36,680
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $36,630
- Food Batchmakers $36,550
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $36,520
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders $36,380
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $36,290
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $36,120
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $36,070
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $35,650
- Helpers--Production Workers $35,580
- Production Workers, All Other $34,980
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $34,970
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $34,780
- Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers $34,620
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $31,750
- Sewing Machine Operators $30,630
- Bakers $29,340
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $28,670
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $27,980
Education and library 48
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $178,830
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary $107,890
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $103,190
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $73,940
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $71,400
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $67,450
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $65,670
- Instructional Coordinators $65,040
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $65,020
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $64,750
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $64,610
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $64,330
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $63,620
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $63,460
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $63,170
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $62,880
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $62,710
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $62,070
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $61,590
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $61,490
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $60,060
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $59,060
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $58,630
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $57,610
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $56,980
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $56,890
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $56,770
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $56,630
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $55,170
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $53,660
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $53,350
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $51,590
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $50,550
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $50,260
- Farm and Home Management Educators $49,340
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $48,090
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $47,760
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $47,570
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $47,460
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $43,510
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $35,220
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $31,950
- Library Technicians $30,790
- Tutors $30,670
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $30,050
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $29,270
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $28,490
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $26,890
Office and administrative support 43
- Postal Service Clerks $58,510
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $57,490
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $56,640
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $56,560
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $52,680
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $52,600
- Financial Clerks, All Other $48,430
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $47,660
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $45,830
- Procurement Clerks $45,100
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $44,850
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $44,840
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $44,600
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $44,120
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $40,810
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $40,690
- Order Clerks $40,130
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $40,070
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $40,040
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $39,940
- New Accounts Clerks $39,400
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $39,400
- Billing and Posting Clerks $37,860
- Customer Service Representatives $37,490
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $37,260
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $37,140
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $37,060
- File Clerks $36,870
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $36,840
- Bill and Account Collectors $36,510
- Office Clerks, General $36,480
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $36,470
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $36,400
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $35,910
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $35,500
- Couriers and Messengers $35,430
- Tellers $34,900
- Data Entry Keyers $34,840
- Meter Readers, Utilities $34,830
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $33,960
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $33,680
- Library Assistants, Clerical $28,920
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $27,790
Healthcare practitioners 42
- Dentists, General $172,490
- Pharmacists $134,230
- Nurse Anesthetists $134,230
- Nurse Practitioners $113,660
- Physician Assistants $103,550
- Veterinarians $100,820
- Optometrists $99,970
- Occupational Therapists $99,350
- Audiologists $99,330
- Physical Therapists $96,840
- Dental Hygienists $83,760
- Speech-Language Pathologists $79,800
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $79,790
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $78,500
- Chiropractors $77,780
- Registered Nurses $77,130
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $75,150
- Pediatricians, General $74,890
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $73,260
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $70,930
- Respiratory Therapists $67,960
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $65,510
- Family Medicine Physicians $62,360
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $60,740
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $60,430
- Therapists, All Other $55,820
- Athletic Trainers $53,490
- Surgical Technologists $53,400
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $51,030
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $50,480
- Surgical Assistants $49,340
- Paramedics $45,710
- Opticians, Dispensing $45,440
- Medical Records Specialists $39,920
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $39,390
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $39,260
- Pharmacy Technicians $37,380
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $36,160
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $34,880
- Psychiatric Technicians $33,090
- Dietetic Technicians $32,940
- Emergency Medical Technicians $31,710
Construction and extraction 40
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $62,200
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $60,220
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers $59,830
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $56,630
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $55,370
- Construction and Building Inspectors $52,970
- Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters $52,120
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $50,490
- Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas $50,250
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $49,700
- Electricians $49,420
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $49,110
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers $48,910
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $48,100
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $47,650
- Carpenters $46,320
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $46,020
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $45,270
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $45,220
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $45,170
- Roofers $45,120
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas $45,050
- Helpers--Carpenters $44,520
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators $43,640
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $43,470
- Sheet Metal Workers $42,640
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $40,860
- Glaziers $39,130
- Helpers--Electricians $38,860
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $38,770
- Fence Erectors $38,530
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $38,420
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $38,390
- Highway Maintenance Workers $38,070
- Tile and Stone Setters $37,950
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $37,910
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $37,220
- Construction Laborers $37,020
- Pipelayers $36,710
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $32,980
Installation, maintenance and repair 37
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $103,190
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $79,140
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $70,190
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $67,590
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $61,820
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $60,410
- Millwrights $59,510
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other $58,990
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $58,410
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $57,960
- Rail Car Repairers $52,530
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $51,300
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $50,320
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $50,290
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $49,150
- Avionics Technicians $48,190
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $47,720
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $47,390
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $47,310
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $47,240
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $47,230
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $46,270
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $46,260
- Riggers $46,140
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $45,900
- Motorcycle Mechanics $45,590
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $44,990
- Medical Equipment Repairers $44,620
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $43,890
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $43,830
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $41,520
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $40,870
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $37,760
- Home Appliance Repairers $37,610
- Mechanical Door Repairers $36,630
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $35,050
- Tire Repairers and Changers $32,650
Management 33
- Public Relations Managers $140,970
- Natural Sciences Managers $134,430
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $132,660
- Marketing Managers $127,320
- Chief Executives $121,220
- Sales Managers $119,990
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $118,230
- Industrial Production Managers $116,670
- Purchasing Managers $116,060
- Financial Managers $103,410
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $102,370
- Human Resources Managers $99,760
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $97,010
- Facilities Managers $95,210
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $93,930
- Training and Development Managers $90,890
- Medical and Health Services Managers $88,340
- Construction Managers $87,160
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $86,010
- Managers, All Other $84,610
- Administrative Services Managers $82,880
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $79,020
- Education Administrators, All Other $71,830
- Fundraising Managers $65,840
- General and Operations Managers $64,260
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $60,640
- Funeral Home Managers $57,980
- Food Service Managers $53,880
- Emergency Management Directors $49,000
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $46,320
- Lodging Managers $45,980
- Legislators $44,350
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $42,430
Transport and material moving 29
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers $165,980
- Air Traffic Controllers $99,490
- Commercial Pilots $84,140
- Transportation Inspectors $83,560
- Wellhead Pumpers $80,930
- Locomotive Engineers $77,010
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $66,070
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $55,920
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $49,520
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $42,630
- Crane and Tower Operators $42,170
- Bus Drivers, School $42,020
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $41,230
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $38,340
- Light Truck Drivers $37,630
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $37,610
- Driver/Sales Workers $37,440
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $37,190
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $36,940
- Material Moving Workers, All Other $36,730
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $36,640
- Aircraft Service Attendants $36,460
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $35,090
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $33,910
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $32,740
- Stockers and Order Fillers $31,620
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $31,540
- Parking Attendants $29,780
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $28,810
Business and financial 28
- Project Management Specialists $81,970
- Financial and Investment Analysts $78,840
- Financial Risk Specialists $77,540
- Personal Financial Advisors $75,150
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $75,030
- Logisticians $73,710
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $72,550
- Management Analysts $72,550
- Financial Examiners $72,530
- Loan Officers $70,050
- Credit Analysts $64,910
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $64,830
- Budget Analysts $64,320
- Accountants and Auditors $64,180
- Insurance Underwriters $63,690
- Compliance Officers $63,560
- Cost Estimators $62,870
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $60,610
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $55,700
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $54,800
- Labor Relations Specialists $53,450
- Human Resources Specialists $52,890
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $51,670
- Training and Development Specialists $48,330
- Fundraisers $46,670
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $46,590
- Financial Specialists, All Other $46,380
- Tax Preparers $36,070
Architecture and engineering 24
- Aerospace Engineers $103,900
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $100,600
- Materials Engineers $100,330
- Chemical Engineers $99,020
- Electrical Engineers $96,500
- Industrial Engineers $95,860
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $86,970
- Environmental Engineers $84,600
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $84,310
- Landscape Architects $84,260
- Civil Engineers $81,930
- Mechanical Engineers $78,570
- Engineers, All Other $75,000
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $70,340
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $63,980
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $63,080
- Mechanical Drafters $60,620
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $60,390
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $59,720
- Surveyors $57,260
- Drafters, All Other $50,100
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $49,620
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $47,580
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians $43,680
Life, physical and social science 22
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $143,490
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $84,640
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $75,620
- Biological Scientists, All Other $74,960
- Conservation Scientists $72,550
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $71,690
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $71,570
- Chemists $71,080
- Foresters $65,960
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $65,250
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $64,730
- School Psychologists $61,440
- Microbiologists $60,710
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $54,310
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $54,290
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $49,090
- Biological Technicians $47,050
- Chemical Technicians $46,720
- Food Science Technicians $46,400
- Forensic Science Technicians $46,210
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $44,500
- Agricultural Technicians $43,950
Arts, design, entertainment and media 21
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $80,340
- Art Directors $67,320
- Public Relations Specialists $64,520
- Interior Designers $63,670
- Technical Writers $62,490
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners $54,730
- Interpreters and Translators $50,880
- Writers and Authors $46,490
- Graphic Designers $46,430
- Film and Video Editors $46,000
- Editors $44,690
- Coaches and Scouts $42,290
- Producers and Directors $39,420
- Broadcast Technicians $39,050
- Audio and Video Technicians $38,620
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $35,470
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $34,230
- Photographers $33,850
- Floral Designers $29,990
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $29,120
- Actors not reported
Personal care and service 18
- Animal Trainers $42,460
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $39,920
- Residential Advisors $38,340
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $37,700
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $37,480
- Skincare Specialists $37,250
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $35,970
- Funeral Attendants $34,150
- Tour and Travel Guides $31,290
- Animal Caretakers $29,370
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $27,780
- Childcare Workers $27,180
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $26,890
- Recreation Workers $26,520
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $26,450
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $26,110
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $25,640
- Barbers $24,700
Protective service 17
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $67,160
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $63,350
- Transportation Security Screeners $59,950
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $58,130
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $57,950
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $53,460
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $48,620
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $48,090
- Bailiffs $45,630
- Private Detectives and Investigators $43,310
- Firefighters $42,100
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $40,330
- Security Guards $37,090
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $36,400
- Animal Control Workers $33,350
- School Bus Monitors $29,450
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $25,820
Healthcare support 16
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $77,340
- Physical Therapist Assistants $67,230
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $39,000
- Dental Assistants $37,680
- Medical Assistants $37,150
- Medical Equipment Preparers $37,050
- Phlebotomists $36,870
- Psychiatric Aides $34,890
- Pharmacy Aides $33,680
- Nursing Assistants $31,990
- Medical Transcriptionists $31,710
- Massage Therapists $31,280
- Orderlies $31,120
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $30,550
- Physical Therapist Aides $28,670
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $27,110
Sales 16
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $74,890
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $59,880
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $56,420
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $54,970
- Insurance Sales Agents $51,280
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $51,280
- Advertising Sales Agents $46,170
- Real Estate Sales Agents $38,450
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $37,550
- Travel Agents $34,980
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $34,270
- Counter and Rental Clerks $34,200
- Parts Salespersons $34,200
- Telemarketers $29,560
- Retail Salespersons $29,420
- Cashiers $27,370
Computing and mathematics 15
- Computer Network Architects $109,900
- Data Scientists $104,320
- Database Architects $101,000
- Computer Programmers $100,670
- Software Developers $96,820
- Information Security Analysts $93,560
- Database Administrators $79,710
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $79,040
- Computer Occupations, All Other $77,830
- Operations Research Analysts $75,650
- Computer Systems Analysts $72,540
- Computer Network Support Specialists $58,790
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $57,020
- Computer User Support Specialists $47,720
- Web Developers $43,530
Community and social service 15
- Healthcare Social Workers $62,040
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $60,110
- Health Education Specialists $57,060
- Clergy $51,240
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $49,990
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $49,820
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $48,970
- Marriage and Family Therapists $47,090
- Social Workers, All Other $46,210
- Community Health Workers $44,850
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $42,960
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $40,610
- Social and Human Service Assistants $37,340
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $33,620
- Rehabilitation Counselors $29,330
Food preparation and serving 15
- Chefs and Head Cooks $49,060
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $31,950
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $29,700
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $29,510
- Cooks, Restaurant $29,470
- Cooks, Short Order $29,410
- Food Preparation Workers $27,330
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $27,100
- Dishwashers $27,090
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $26,740
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $26,580
- Waiters and Waitresses $26,350
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $26,180
- Bartenders $26,030
- Cooks, Fast Food $24,700
Farming, fishing and forestry 10
- Fallers $64,170
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $47,650
- Logging Equipment Operators $46,580
- Log Graders and Scalers $42,360
- Agricultural Inspectors $42,050
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $34,040
- Agricultural Workers, All Other $31,600
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $31,220
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $30,380
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $28,410
Building and grounds maintenance 8
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $48,210
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $38,340
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $37,830
- Pest Control Workers $37,240
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $36,540
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $34,450
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $29,540
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $27,250
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Arkansas?
The median across all occupations is $41,020 a year, or $19.72 an hour, covering 1,288,810 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Arkansas?
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates ($192,910), Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary ($178,830), Dentists, General ($172,490) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Arkansas employ the most people in?
Fast Food and Counter Workers, with 36,150 employed at a median of $26,740. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Arkansas electricity averages 14.36¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.