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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | Industrial Production Managers | Management | $118K | $56.79/hr |
| 32 | Power Distributors and Dispatchers | Production & Manufacturing | $117K | $56.43/hr |
| 33 | Financial Managers | Management | $117K | $56.05/hr |
| 34 | Psychologists, All Other | Science | $114K | $54.97/hr |
| 35 | Computer Programmers | Technology | $112K | $53.77/hr |
| 36 | Computer Network Architects | Technology | $110K | $53.08/hr |
| 37 | Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | Engineering | $110K | $52.8/hr |
| 38 | Air Traffic Controllers | Transportation | $110K | $52.77/hr |
| 39 | Data Scientists | Technology | $109K | $52.59/hr |
| 40 | Human Resources Managers | Management | $109K | $52.2/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