Lawyer Salary in Arkansas
Based on 3K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$98,880
$47.54/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
-26.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $221K
3K employed in Arkansas
Lawyer salary in Arkansas averages $98,880 per year for the approximately 3,430 legal professionals working in the state. This median falls 27% below the national average, reflecting the lower cost of living and smaller market size compared to major legal hubs. The salary range spans from $49,900 to $220,660, indicating significant variation based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence lawyer salary in Arkansas, including years of practice, area of specialization, and employer type. Attorneys working in major cities like Little Rock typically earn more than those in rural areas. Additionally, lawyers at large firms or in high-demand practice areas such as corporate law command higher salaries than those in solo practice or public service roles.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,900 |
| 25th percentile | $69,470 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $98,880 |
| 75th percentile | $132,490 |
| 90th percentile | $220,660 |
Top-Paying Industries for Lawyer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Lawyers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Lawyers in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $254,990 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $236,630 | 5K |
| Information | $230,880 | 11K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $223,560 | 25K |
| Utilities | $221,400 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,340 |
| 2023 | $90,650 |
| 2024 | $86,970 |
| 2025 | $98,880 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,813 |
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 | $86,340 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $90,650 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $86,970 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $98,880 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,813 | $142,795 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $69,470 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $98,880 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $132,490 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $220,660 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Lawyer ($98,880 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial Law Clerk in AR | $80,150 | -18.9% | $38.53/hr |
| Title Examiner in AR | $47,510 | -52.0% | $22.84/hr |
| Paralegal in AR | $47,420 | -52.0% | $22.80/hr |
| Physical Therapist in AR | $99,010 | +0.1% | $47.60/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in AR | $98,410 | -0.5% | $47.31/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in AR | $96,860 | -2.0% | $46.57/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in AR | $101,830 | +3.0% | $48.96/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in AR | $102,040 | +3.2% | $49.06/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in AR | $94,340 | -4.6% | $45.36/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in AR | $103,490 | +4.7% | $49.75/hr |
| Materials Engineer in AR | $103,900 | +5.1% | $49.95/hr |
| Database Administrator in AR | $104,070 | +5.2% | $50.03/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for lawyers in Arkansas is $98,880 per year, or approximately $48 per hour. This is about 26.6% below the national average for lawyers.
What is the salary range for lawyers in Arkansas?
- Lawyer salaries in Arkansas range from $49,900 at the low end to $220,660 at the high end, representing a significant spread based on experience, specialization, and firm size.
How many lawyers are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 3,430 lawyers currently employed in Arkansas, according to the most recent employment data.
Is lawyer salary in Arkansas lower than the national average?
- Yes, the median lawyer salary in Arkansas at $98,880 per year is 26.6% lower than the national average, making it a below-average pay state for legal professionals.