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.
ⓘ
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | Information Security Analysts | Technology | $103K | $49.76/hr |
| 52 | Aerospace Engineers | Engineering | $102K | $49.06/hr |
| 53 | Training and Development Managers | Management | $102K | $48.96/hr |
| 54 | Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors | Engineering | $102K | $48.84/hr |
| 55 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | Repair & Maintenance | $101K | $48.62/hr |
| 56 | Gas Plant Operators | Production & Manufacturing | $101K | $48.49/hr |
| 57 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | Management | $101K | $48.47/hr |
| 58 | Physical Therapists | Healthcare | $99K | $47.6/hr |
| 59 | Lawyers | Legal | $99K | $47.54/hr |
| 60 | Industrial Engineers | Engineering | $98K | $47.31/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
Planning a move? Compare costs with other locations:
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
Remote work salary calculator
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