Top Paying Jobs in Arkansas
Arkansas has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 141,880 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Dermatologists ($422,060), Neurologists ($317,880), Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric ($262,470). The cost of living index is 87.64 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,021/month.
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State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
$120K
Avg. median salary
87.64
Cost of living index
$1,021
Median 2BR rent
3,065,102
Population
Highest paying careers in Arkansas
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dermatologists | Healthcare | $422K | $202.91/hr |
| 2 | Neurologists | Healthcare | $318K | $152.83/hr |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | Healthcare | $262K | $126.19/hr |
| 4 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | Healthcare | $259K | $124.67/hr |
| 5 | Surgeons, All Other | Healthcare | $255K | $122.57/hr |
| 6 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | Healthcare | $233K | $112.08/hr |
| 7 | Dentists, All Other Specialists | Healthcare | $233K | $111.89/hr |
| 8 | Nurse Anesthetists | Healthcare | $224K | $107.83/hr |
| 9 | Family Medicine Physicians | Healthcare | $216K | $103.76/hr |
| 10 | Physicians, Pathologists | Healthcare | $214K | $102.93/hr |
Affordability snapshot: Arkansas
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
Cost of living vs. national average-12.4% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,021/mo
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Metro areas in Arkansas
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Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
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After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in Arkansas?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
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Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data