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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | Postmasters and Mail Superintendents | Management | $98K | $47.06/hr |
| 62 | Power Plant Operators | Production & Manufacturing | $98K | $47/hr |
| 63 | Audiologists | Healthcare | $97K | $46.63/hr |
| 64 | Electrical Engineers | Engineering | $97K | $46.57/hr |
| 65 | Law Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $96K | N/A |
| 66 | Commercial Pilots | Transportation | $94K | N/A |
| 67 | Medical and Health Services Managers | Management | $94K | $45.35/hr |
| 68 | Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars | Healthcare | $93K | $44.86/hr |
| 69 | Commercial and Industrial Designers | Arts & Media | $93K | $44.49/hr |
| 70 | Chemical Plant and System Operators | Production & Manufacturing | $92K | $44.04/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