Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Arkansas
Based on 10K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$56,620
$27.22/hr
vs National Average
$66,740
-15.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $65K
10K employed in Arkansas
Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Arkansas averages $56,620 annually, with approximately 10,010 workers currently employed in this role. This median falls about 15% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Salaries typically range from $44,670 at the entry level to $65,020 for experienced practitioners.
Several factors influence Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Arkansas, including years of experience, employer type, and specific work setting. Nurses working in hospitals often earn more than those in clinics or home health agencies. Geographic location within the state, additional certifications, and shift differentials can also impact compensation packages for practical nurses in Arkansas.
Salary Distribution — Licensed Practical Nurse in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,670 |
| 25th percentile | $49,550 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $56,620 |
| 75th percentile | $61,220 |
| 90th percentile | $65,020 |
Top-Paying Industries for Licensed Practical Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Licensed Practical Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Licensed Practical Nurses in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $77,310 | 30K |
| Finance and Insurance | $72,720 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,970 | 37K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,980 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $64,860 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Licensed Practical Nurse in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $46,190 |
| 2023 | $48,790 |
| 2024 | $51,030 |
| 2025 | $56,620 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,017 |
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 | $46,190 | $54,982 |
| 2023 | $48,790 | $60,153 |
| 2024 | $51,030 | $63,623 |
| 2025 | $56,620 | $66,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,017 | $70,744 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,550 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $56,620 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $61,220 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $65,020 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Licensed Practical Nurse ($56,620 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Licensed Practical Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in AR | $254,940 | +350.3% | $122.57/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AR | $233,130 | +311.7% | $112.08/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AR | $224,280 | +296.1% | $107.83/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AR | $215,820 | +281.2% | $103.76/hr |
| Dentist in AR | $178,930 | +216.0% | $86.02/hr |
| Pediatrician in AR | $160,440 | +183.4% | $77.13/hr |
| Pharmacist in AR | $136,060 | +140.3% | $65.41/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AR | $125,660 | +121.9% | $60.41/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AR | $124,750 | +120.3% | $59.98/hr |
| Optometrist in AR | $124,470 | +119.8% | $59.84/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AR | $118,430 | +109.2% | $56.94/hr |
| Veterinarian in AR | $107,710 | +90.2% | $51.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for licensed practical nurses in Arkansas is $56,620 per year, or $27 per hour. This is 15.2% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for LPNs in Arkansas?
- Licensed practical nurses in Arkansas earn between $44,670 and $65,020 annually, depending on experience, employer, and location within the state.
How many licensed practical nurses work in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 10,010 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Arkansas, making it a substantial portion of the state's healthcare workforce.
Is the LPN salary in Arkansas lower than the national average?
- Yes, Arkansas LPN salaries are 15.2% below the national average, with the median at $56,620 compared to higher rates in most other states.