Arkansas Salaries 2025
Retail giant headquarters with exceptional affordability
Median Household Income
Arkansas Salary Overview 2025
Arkansas tells a tale of two economies: Northwest Arkansas (NWA) has become one of America's fastest-growing regions, powered by Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt headquarters, while the rest of the state maintains a more traditional Southern economic profile. Statewide median household income of $52,500 ranks among the lowest nationally, but this masks NWA's transformation into a bona fide corporate hub.
The concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters in a region of 600,000 people creates unique opportunities. Walmart's home office attracts vendors, consultants, and service providers from around the world. Combined with ultra-low cost of living (82 index, 18% below average), Arkansas offers exceptional purchasing power for those in the right industries and locations.
Arkansas's tax burden is moderate, with recent reforms lowering the top rate to 4.4%. The state offers an unusual combination: Fortune 500 salaries with small-town costs in NWA, or extremely affordable living throughout the rest of the state for remote workers and retirees. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025.
Arkansas Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Arkansas | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $52,500 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $71,000 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $29,500 | $37,638 |
| Minimum Wage (2025) | $11.00/hr | $7.25/hr (federal) |
| Cost of Living Index | 82 (18% below avg) | 100 |
| Top Income Tax Rate | 4.4% | Varies |
Salaries by Arkansas Region
Northwest Arkansas (Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville)
Median Household Income: $72,000
Northwest Arkansas defies Arkansas stereotypes. Walmart's headquarters in Bentonville, Tyson Foods in Springdale, and J.B. Hunt in Lowell create a concentration of Fortune 500 employment unmatched in similarly-sized metros. Corporate salaries match or exceed national benchmarks: Walmart corporate $70,000-$200,000+, supply chain professionals $60,000-$130,000, IT roles $75,000-$150,000.
The vendor ecosystem is equally significantâthousands work for companies serving Walmart (Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Coca-Cola all have NWA offices). The region's investment in amenities (Crystal Bridges Museum, Razorback Greenway trails, downtown developments) has attracted talent willing to relocate from major metros.
Little Rock â State Capital
Median Household Income: $55,000
Little Rock serves as Arkansas's capital and largest metro with a diversified economy. State government, healthcare (UAMS, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent), and regional business services drive employment. Healthcare salaries are regionally competitive: RNs $55,000-$75,000, physicians $220,000-$400,000. Legal, accounting, and professional services support state government and corporate needs.
Fort Smith â Manufacturing Heritage
Median Household Income: $46,000
Fort Smith maintains manufacturing roots with food processing, aerospace components (Arconic), and logistics. Manufacturing wages $35,000-$60,000, engineers $65,000-$100,000. Very affordable housing ($160,000 median) offers excellent value for stable manufacturing employment.
Hot Springs â Tourism & Retirement
Median Household Income: $42,000
Hot Springs' economy centers on tourism, healthcare serving retirees, and gaming (Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort). Hospitality wages are modest, but the area attracts retirees and remote workers with extremely low costs and natural beauty.
| Region | Median Income | Cost of Living | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Arkansas | $72,000 | 90 | Retail HQs, Food Processing, Logistics |
| Little Rock | $55,000 | 85 | Government, Healthcare, Services |
| Fort Smith | $46,000 | 78 | Manufacturing, Logistics |
| Hot Springs | $42,000 | 80 | Tourism, Healthcare, Gaming |
Top Paying Industries in Arkansas
Retail Corporate (Walmart)
Walmart's Bentonville headquarters employs 20,000+ in corporate roles. Technology, merchandising, supply chain, finance, and marketing positions pay competitively with national rates. Software engineers $90,000-$160,000, merchandising managers $70,000-$130,000, supply chain analysts $60,000-$110,000. Senior roles and executives earn $150,000-$500,000+. Walmart stock and benefits add significant value.
Food Processing (Tyson Foods)
Tyson's Springdale headquarters and extensive processing operations employ thousands. Corporate positions $60,000-$150,000, plant managers $80,000-$140,000, production workers $35,000-$55,000. Agricultural science and food safety roles are well-compensated.
Transportation & Logistics (J.B. Hunt)
J.B. Hunt's intermodal and trucking empire creates significant logistics employment. Corporate/tech roles $65,000-$140,000, operations management $55,000-$100,000, drivers $50,000-$80,000+ depending on route type.
Healthcare
UAMS (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences), Baptist Health, and regional systems serve Arkansas. Physicians $220,000-$400,000+, nurses $55,000-$78,000. Rural areas offer loan forgiveness and incentives to attract providers.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart Corporate Tech | $80,000 | $120,000 | $160,000+ |
| Supply Chain/Logistics | $50,000 | $80,000 | $130,000+ |
| Healthcare (Physicians) | $220,000 | $300,000 | $400,000+ |
| Nursing (RN) | $50,000 | $62,000 | $78,000+ |
| Manufacturing Engineering | $60,000 | $80,000 | $110,000+ |
Arkansas Tax Analysis
State Income Tax Brackets (2025)
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 â $4,400 | 2.0% |
| $4,401 â $8,800 | 4.0% |
| $8,801+ | 4.4% |
Arkansas recently lowered its top rate to 4.4%, making it competitive with neighboring states. The low brackets mean most income above $8,800 faces the top rate.
Tax Comparison
| Salary | AR Tax | CA Tax | TX Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | ~$2,500 | ~$2,900 | $0 |
| $100,000 | ~$4,250 | ~$7,100 | $0 |
| $150,000 | ~$6,500 | ~$12,500 | $0 |
While not tax-free like Texas, Arkansas's combination of low income tax and ultra-low cost of living creates excellent overall value.
Property Tax: Arkansas property taxes average 0.62%âbelow the national average. Combined with low home values, actual tax bills are very affordable.
Sales Tax: State rate of 6.5% plus local additions can push totals to 9-11% in some areasârelatively high.
Arkansas Cost of Living Analysis
| Expense | Arkansas | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Index | 65 | 100 |
| Median Home Price | $185,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $850 | $1,400 |
| Groceries Index | 92 | 100 |
| Utilities Index | 93 | 100 |
| Transportation Index | 87 | 100 |
| Healthcare Index | 88 | 100 |
Housing by Region
| Area | Median Home | Median Rent (2BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bentonville | $380,000 | $1,400 |
| Fayetteville | $320,000 | $1,200 |
| Rogers | $340,000 | $1,300 |
| Little Rock | $210,000 | $950 |
| Fort Smith | $160,000 | $750 |
| Hot Springs | $195,000 | $850 |
Northwest Arkansas has seen significant appreciation driven by job growth, but remains affordable compared to comparable job markets. The rest of Arkansas offers some of America's cheapest housing.
Purchasing Power
A $65,000 salary in Arkansas provides equivalent purchasing power to approximately:
⢠$85,000 in Dallas, TX
⢠$100,000 in Denver, CO
⢠$130,000 in Los Angeles, CA
Highest Paying Jobs in Arkansas 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians/Surgeons | $270,000 | $400,000+ |
| Dentists | $165,000 | $260,000+ |
| IT Directors | $130,000 | $175,000+ |
| Software Engineers | $100,000 | $145,000+ |
| Pharmacists | $120,000 | $145,000+ |
| Supply Chain Directors | $125,000 | $170,000+ |
| Financial Managers | $110,000 | $155,000+ |
| Attorneys | $95,000 | $160,000+ |
| Nurse Practitioners | $105,000 | $125,000+ |
| Plant Managers | $100,000 | $145,000+ |
The Northwest Arkansas Phenomenon
NWA's transformation deserves special attention for job seekers:
What Makes NWA Unique
Three Fortune 500 headquarters (Walmart #1, Tyson #77, J.B. Hunt #381) in a metro of 600,000 creates extraordinary corporate density. The Walton family's philanthropic investments (Crystal Bridges, Razorback Greenway, downtown developments) have transformed what was a collection of small towns into a genuinely attractive destination.
Who Moves to NWA
Walmart career track: Corporate employees seeking headquarters experience
Vendor ecosystem: CPG companies, suppliers, consultants serving Walmart
Remote workers: Those seeking outdoor lifestyle with low costs
Families: Attracted by schools, safety, and affordability
NWA Salaries
| Role | NWA Salary | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart Software Engineer | $120,000 | Competitive |
| Vendor Account Manager | $90,000 | Competitive |
| Supply Chain Analyst | $75,000 | At market |
| Marketing Manager | $85,000 | At market |
NWA Lifestyle
World-class mountain biking, hiking, and outdoor recreation. Razorback Greenway connects communities with 40+ miles of paved trails. Crystal Bridges museum offers free admission. Restaurant scene has grown substantially. Limited nightlife and urban amenities compared to major metros, but quality of life ratings are high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arkansas a good state for salary vs. cost of living?
Exceptional, particularly in NWA. Corporate salaries at Fortune 500 headquarters with costs 30-50% below comparable markets create outstanding purchasing power. Even outside NWA, ultra-low costs make modest salaries go far.
How does NWA compare to other corporate hubs?
NWA offers Fortune 500 headquarters opportunities at small-city costs. A $100,000 NWA salary provides lifestyle equivalent to $150,000+ in many metros. Trade-offs: smaller city with limited entertainment, dining, and cultural options; though these have improved dramatically.
Is Little Rock worth considering?
Little Rock offers balanced lifestyle at very low cost. Government, healthcare, and professional services provide stable employment. Cultural amenities and dining exceed typical cities its size. Housing is remarkably affordable. Those not drawn to retail/logistics may find more diverse opportunities here than NWA.
What's quality of life like in Arkansas?
Varies by location. NWA offers excellent outdoor recreation, improving amenities, and family-friendly communities. Little Rock provides urban conveniences at low cost. Rural Arkansas offers hunting, fishing, and extremely affordable living but limited economic opportunity. Southern culture, friendliness, and slower pace appeal to some; others find it too quiet.
Should I relocate for Walmart/Tyson/J.B. Hunt?
For career advancement in retail, food, or logistics, NWA offers unmatched headquarters experience. The resume value of Walmart corporate experience is significant. Many use it as a 3-5 year career accelerator before moving on. The lifestyle works well for outdoor enthusiasts and families; those seeking urban nightlife and cultural variety may struggle.