Firefighter Salary in Arkansas
Based on 2K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$39,690
$19.08/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
-31.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$29K – $61K
2K employed in Arkansas
The median Firefighter salary in Arkansas is $39,690 annually, or approximately $19 per hour. This figure is significantly lower than the national average, by about 31.0%. Currently, there are approximately 2,480 individuals employed as firefighters within the state.
Several factors can influence the Firefighter salary in Arkansas. These include the specific city or town of employment, the size and budget of the fire department, and the individual firefighter's years of experience and any specialized certifications they possess. Entry-level positions typically fall at the lower end of the salary range.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $28,680 |
| 25th percentile | $33,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $39,690 |
| 75th percentile | $52,000 |
| 90th percentile | $60,860 |
Top-Paying Industries for Firefighter (U.S.)
Which industries pay Firefighters the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Firefighters in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $89,990 | 70 |
| Educational Services | $72,760 | 620 |
| Manufacturing | $71,490 | 590 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $71,190 | 110 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,050 | 323K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Firefighter in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,690 |
| 2026 (projected) | $40,881 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,690 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $40,881 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $33,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $39,690 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $52,000 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $60,860 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Firefighter ($39,690 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in AR | $47,670 | +20.1% | $22.92/hr |
| Security Guard in AR | $35,770 | -9.9% | $17.20/hr |
| Producer and Director in AR | $38,820 | -2.2% | $18.66/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in AR | $38,680 | -2.5% | $18.60/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in AR | $38,180 | -3.8% | $18.36/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in AR | $37,840 | -4.7% | $18.19/hr |
| Medical Assistant in AR | $37,760 | -4.9% | $18.15/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in AR | $37,630 | -5.2% | $18.09/hr |
| Construction Laborer in AR | $37,630 | -5.2% | $18.09/hr |
| Dental Assistant in AR | $42,830 | +7.9% | $20.59/hr |
| Bookkeeper in AR | $42,840 | +7.9% | $20.60/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in AR | $43,400 | +9.3% | $20.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a firefighter in Arkansas?
- The median salary for a firefighter in Arkansas is $39,690 per year. This translates to an hourly wage of about $19, which is considerably lower than the national average.
What is the salary range for firefighters in Arkansas?
- Firefighter salaries in Arkansas generally range from $28,680 for entry-level positions up to $60,860 for more experienced or specialized roles. The median falls right in the middle of this spectrum.
How many firefighters are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 2,480 individuals employed as firefighters across Arkansas. This number reflects the current demand for firefighting services within the state.
Is the Firefighter salary in Arkansas higher or lower than the national average?
- The Firefighter salary in Arkansas is lower than the national average. Specifically, Arkansas firefighters earn approximately 31.0% less than the national median salary.