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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | Economists | Science | $92K | $44.02/hr |
| 72 | Facilities Managers | Management | $90K | $43.18/hr |
| 73 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | Management | $89K | $42.89/hr |
| 74 | Managers, All Other | Management | $88K | $42.08/hr |
| 75 | Computer Occupations, All Other | Technology | $87K | $41.8/hr |
| 76 | Dental Hygienists | Healthcare | $87K | $41.71/hr |
| 77 | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | Production & Manufacturing | $87K | $41.63/hr |
| 78 | Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | Management | $86K | N/A |
| 79 | Construction Managers | Management | $86K | $41.5/hr |
| 80 | Environmental Engineers | Engineering | $85K | $41/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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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