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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Sales Engineers | Sales | $131K | $62.86/hr |
| 22 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Management | $127K | $61.16/hr |
| 23 | Nurse Practitioners | Healthcare | $126K | $60.41/hr |
| 24 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $125K | N/A |
| 25 | Psychiatrists | Healthcare | $125K | $59.97/hr |
| 26 | Optometrists | Healthcare | $124K | $59.84/hr |
| 27 | Computer Hardware Engineers | Engineering | $120K | $57.83/hr |
| 28 | Chief Executives | Management | $120K | $57.69/hr |
| 29 | Natural Sciences Managers | Management | $119K | $57.42/hr |
| 30 | Physician Assistants | Healthcare | $118K | $56.94/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
Click a metro for detailed salary, rent, and cost-of-living data specific to that area.
Compare Arkansas to other cities
Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
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See what your salary is worth in Arkansas
Calculate take-home pay in Arkansas
After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in Arkansas?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Arkansas?
Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data