Average Salary in Arkansas 2025

Understanding the average salary in Arkansas 2025 is important for local workers employers and anyone considering relocation to the state. Arkansas located in the southern United States offers a relatively affordable lifestyle compared to many parts of the country. While the average wage in Arkansas is lower than the national figure its lower cost of living helps residents manage better on modest incomes.

In this detailed guide we will explore salary data industry wages minimum wage comparison salary trends in 2025 and the connection between cost of living vs salary in Arkansas.

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Average Salary in Arkansas An Overview

In 2025 the average salary in Arkansas is around $51k per year which equals about $4.2k per month. This is below the U.S. national average of around $63k but the difference is often offset by lower expenses in housing food and utilities.

• Median Salary: $46k per year
• Top 10 Percent Earners: Above $96k per year
• Entry Level Jobs: Around $27k to $32k per year

Arkansas may not match big states like California or New York in wage levels but residents benefit from affordable living conditions particularly outside major urban areas.

🔗 Looking beyond Alaska? Read about the Average Salary in Arizona (2025).

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Industry Wise Salary Breakdown in Arkansas 2025

Arkansas has a mixed economy with strengths in agriculture manufacturing healthcare and education. Wages vary depending on industry and job role.

• Healthcare (Doctors Nurses Therapists) – $58k to $115k
• Technology & IT – $72k to $105k
• Engineering & Manufacturing – $62k to $90k
• Education (Teachers Professors) – $40k to $57k
• Finance & Business Services – $52k to $85k
• Hospitality & Retail – $27k to $38k

Healthcare and manufacturing remain among the largest employers while technology roles are slowly expanding in cities like Little Rock and Fayetteville.

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Minimum Wage in Arkansas 2025

Arkansas has its own minimum wage law that is higher than the federal baseline. In 2025 the minimum wage is set at $11 per hour compared to the federal rate of $7.25.

This benefits workers in hospitality and retail though wages are still modest compared to professional sectors. For context states like California have set their minimum wage closer to $16 per hour while New York is around $15.

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Cost of Living vs Salary in Arkansas

One of the biggest advantages of working in Arkansas is the low cost of living.

• Housing: The median home price in 2025 is about $210k far below the national median.
• Rent: A one bedroom apartment in Little Rock averages $900 per month while smaller towns offer even lower rates.
• Utilities & Groceries: About 10 to 20 percent cheaper than the U.S. average.

This means someone earning $51k in Arkansas can often enjoy a similar lifestyle to a person making $65k to $70k in more expensive states. However in certain fast growing areas like Northwest Arkansas salaries may not fully cover rising housing costs.

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Salary Trends in Arkansas 2025

Wage growth in Arkansas follows both national and regional patterns.

• Healthcare and Nursing: Strong upward growth due to demand across hospitals and clinics.
• Technology: Salaries are increasing gradually as more tech companies establish small hubs.
• Manufacturing: Stable wages supported by automotive and industrial sectors.
• Retail and Hospitality: Limited wage growth stuck close to the minimum wage.

Overall salaries in Arkansas are expected to rise steadily but not at the pace of major metropolitan states.

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How Arkansas Salaries Compare Nationally

Although Arkansas salaries are lower than the U.S. average cost adjusted income levels are competitive.

• A software engineer earning $85k in Arkansas may enjoy a lifestyle similar to someone earning $110k in California.
• Teachers in Arkansas earn less than the national median but affordable living reduces the gap.
• Healthcare professionals earn slightly below average yet benefit from manageable housing and utility costs.

When compared globally Arkansas salaries remain higher than those in developing nations which makes the state attractive for international professionals seeking relocation to the U.S.

👉 For national perspective see our Average Salary in USA (2025) guide.

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Conclusion

In summary the average salary in Arkansas 2025 is about $51k per year slightly below the U.S. average but supported by a lower cost of living. Healthcare manufacturing and technology are the most stable industries while retail and hospitality remain tied to near minimum wage levels.

👉 For a full comparison, visit our Average Salary Worldwide (2025) guide.