Human Resources Specialist Salary in Arkansas
Based on 6K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$55,010
$26.45/hr
vs National Average
$72,641
-24.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$32K – $100K
6K employed in Arkansas
Human Resources Specialist salary in Arkansas averages $55,010 annually, with approximately 6,230 professionals currently employed in the state. This median figure sits 24% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost of living variations. Job seekers considering HR roles in Arkansas should understand how local market conditions compare to other states when evaluating compensation packages.
Several factors influence Human Resources Specialist salary levels in Arkansas, including years of experience, industry sector, company size, and educational background. Urban centers like Little Rock typically offer higher compensation than rural areas, while specialized HR functions command premium rates over generalist positions. Additionally, the broader economic health of specific industries and local business growth directly impact what employers can offer competitive candidates in the state.
Salary Distribution — Human Resources Specialist in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $32,030 |
| 25th percentile | $43,730 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $55,010 |
| 75th percentile | $74,600 |
| 90th percentile | $99,990 |
Top-Paying Industries for Human Resources Specialist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Human Resources Specialists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Human Resources Specialists in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $103,260 | 27K |
| Utilities | $97,360 | 3K |
| Finance and Insurance | $85,450 | 51K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $85,040 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $84,350 | 91K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Human Resources Specialist in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,830 |
| 2023 | $54,230 |
| 2024 | $52,890 |
| 2025 | $55,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,215 |
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 | $50,830 | $63,710 |
| 2023 | $54,230 | $66,356 |
| 2024 | $52,890 | $68,925 |
| 2025 | $55,010 | $72,641 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,215 | $75,553 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $43,730 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $55,010 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $74,600 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $99,990 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Human Resources Specialist Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Human Resources Specialist ($55,010 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Human Resources Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchasing Manager in AR | $156,450 | +184.4% | $75.22/hr |
| Marketing Manager in AR | $136,520 | +148.2% | $65.63/hr |
| Chief Executive Officer in AR | $119,990 | +118.1% | $57.69/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in AR | $118,120 | +114.7% | $56.79/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in AR | $108,580 | +97.4% | $52.20/hr |
| Sales Manager in AR | $108,330 | +96.9% | $52.08/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in AR | $104,170 | +89.4% | $50.08/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in AR | $101,830 | +85.1% | $48.96/hr |
| Construction Manager in AR | $86,310 | +56.9% | $41.50/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in AR | $84,480 | +53.6% | $40.62/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in AR | $77,170 | +40.3% | $37.10/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in AR | $74,050 | +34.6% | $35.60/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Human Resources Specialists make in Arkansas?
- Human Resources Specialists in Arkansas earn a median salary of $55,010 per year, or about $26 per hour. This is 24.3% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for HR Specialists in Arkansas?
- The salary range for Human Resources Specialists in Arkansas spans from $32,030 to $99,990 annually, depending on experience, education, and employer size.
How many HR Specialist jobs are available in Arkansas?
- There are currently 6,230 Human Resources Specialists employed in Arkansas, indicating a substantial job market for this role in the state.
Is the HR Specialist salary in Arkansas lower than the national average?
- Yes, Arkansas HR Specialists earn 24.3% less than the national average, with a median of $55,010 compared to higher averages in other states.