Chief Executive Officer Salary in Arkansas
Based on 4K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$119,990
$57.69/hr
vs National Average
$212,619
-43.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $330K
4K employed in Arkansas
The median Chief Executive Officer salary in Arkansas is $119,990 per year, according to the latest employment data. With approximately 3,550 CEOs working in the state, Arkansas offers executive leadership positions across various industries. However, this median falls significantly below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations that influence compensation structures throughout the state.
Several factors shape Chief Executive Officer salary in Arkansas, including company size, industry sector, and years of experience. Larger corporations and established organizations typically offer higher compensation packages than smaller enterprises. Additionally, the state's economic landscape, dominated by certain industries, affects salary ranges. The wide disparity between the lowest and highest salaries—from $49,830 to $330,480—demonstrates how these variables substantially impact executive compensation across different business environments.
Salary Distribution — Chief Executive Officer in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,830 |
| 25th percentile | $72,580 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $119,990 |
| 75th percentile | $196,800 |
| 90th percentile | $330,480 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chief Executive Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chief Executive Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chief Executive Officers in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $358,310 | 15K |
| Finance and Insurance | $316,050 | 17K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $311,120 | 680 |
| Information | $275,030 | 9K |
| Manufacturing | $263,290 | 11K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chief Executive Officer in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $111,780 |
| 2023 | $126,010 |
| 2024 | $121,220 |
| 2025 | $119,990 |
| 2026 (projected) | $119,990 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $111,780 | $168,969 |
| 2023 | $126,010 | $173,235 |
| 2024 | $121,220 | $176,421 |
| 2025 | $119,990 | $212,619 |
| 2026 (projected) | $119,990 | $212,619 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $72,580 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $119,990 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $196,800 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $330,480 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary in Other States
Related Chief Executive Officer Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Chief Executive Officer ($119,990 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chief Executive Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchasing Manager in AR | $156,450 | +30.4% | $75.22/hr |
| Marketing Manager in AR | $136,520 | +13.8% | $65.63/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in AR | $118,120 | -1.6% | $56.79/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in AR | $108,580 | -9.5% | $52.20/hr |
| Sales Manager in AR | $108,330 | -9.7% | $52.08/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in AR | $104,170 | -13.2% | $50.08/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in AR | $101,830 | -15.1% | $48.96/hr |
| Construction Manager in AR | $86,310 | -28.1% | $41.50/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in AR | $84,480 | -29.6% | $40.62/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in AR | $77,170 | -35.7% | $37.10/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in AR | $74,050 | -38.3% | $35.60/hr |
| Management Analyst in AR | $72,950 | -39.2% | $35.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CEO make in Arkansas?
- The median CEO salary in Arkansas is $119,990 per year, or approximately $58 per hour. This is 43.6% below the national average for chief executives.
What is the salary range for CEOs in Arkansas?
- CEO salaries in Arkansas range from a low of $49,830 to a high of $330,480 per year, depending on company size, industry, and experience level.
How many CEOs are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 3,550 CEOs currently employed in Arkansas across various industries and business sizes.
Is the CEO salary in Arkansas lower than the national average?
- Yes, Arkansas CEO salaries are significantly lower than the national average, with the median in-state salary of $119,990 being 43.6% below the national figure.