Economist Salary in Arkansas
Based on 50+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$91,560
$44.02/hr
vs National Average
$111,296
-17.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$55K – $137K
50 employed in Arkansas
Economists working in Arkansas earn a median salary of $91,560 annually, with approximately 50 workers employed in the field throughout the state. This figure falls 18 percent below the national average for economists, reflecting regional differences in economic sectors and demand for analytical expertise in the state's labor market.
Several factors influence economist salary in Arkansas, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the employing organization's size and industry. Government agencies, educational institutions, and private research firms typically offer varying compensation packages. Salaries range from $55,130 to $136,990 annually, demonstrating significant variation based on specialization, seniority, and specific employer requirements.
Salary Distribution — Economist in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $55,130 |
| 25th percentile | $65,420 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $91,560 |
| 75th percentile | $107,330 |
| 90th percentile | $136,990 |
Top-Paying Industries for Economist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Economists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Economists in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $210,780 | 30 |
| Wholesale Trade | $207,400 | 40 |
| Manufacturing | $180,320 | 90 |
| Finance and Insurance | $173,990 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $160,150 | 170 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Economist in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $67,670 |
| 2023 | $72,470 |
| 2025 | $91,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $97,054 |
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 | $67,670 | $96,369 |
| 2023 | $72,470 | $98,241 |
| 2025 | $91,560 | $111,296 |
| 2026 (projected) | $97,054 | $117,974 |
Economist Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,420 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $91,560 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $107,330 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $136,990 |
Economist Salary in Other States
Related Economist Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Economist ($91,560 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Economist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in AR | $116,570 | +27.3% | $56.04/hr |
| Financial Analyst in AR | $81,110 | -11.4% | $39.00/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in AR | $79,420 | -13.3% | $38.18/hr |
| Budget Analyst in AR | $71,800 | -21.6% | $34.52/hr |
| Credit Analyst in AR | $71,370 | -22.1% | $34.31/hr |
| Loan Officer in AR | $70,260 | -23.3% | $33.78/hr |
| Accountant in AR | $66,330 | -27.6% | $31.89/hr |
| Compliance Officer in AR | $64,680 | -29.4% | $31.10/hr |
| Tax Examiner in AR | $60,600 | -33.8% | $29.13/hr |
| Financial Examiner in AR | $57,590 | -37.1% | $27.69/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in AR | $56,720 | -38.1% | $27.27/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in AR | $54,660 | -40.3% | $26.28/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do economists make in Arkansas?
- Economists in Arkansas earn a median salary of $91,560 per year, or $44 per hour. This is approximately 17.7% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for economists in Arkansas?
- The salary range for economists in Arkansas spans from $55,130 at the lower end to $136,990 at the upper end, reflecting significant variation based on experience and specialization.
Is the economist salary in Arkansas competitive compared to the national average?
- No, the median economist salary in Arkansas is $91,560, which is 17.7% lower than the national average for this role.
How many economists are employed in Arkansas?
- There are currently 50 economists employed in Arkansas according to the latest employment data.