Paralegal Salary in Arkansas
Based on 2K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$47,420
$22.80/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
-23.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $82K
2K employed in Arkansas
Paralegals in Arkansas earn a median salary of $47,420 per year, according to the latest employment data. With approximately 1,610 paralegal workers throughout the state, this represents a stable career path for legal professionals. However, this median falls about 24 percent below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations across the country.
Several factors influence paralegal salary in Arkansas, including years of experience, educational background, and employer type. Paralegals working in larger law firms or for corporations typically earn more than those in smaller practices or nonprofit organizations. Additionally, specialized skills in areas like litigation, real estate, or intellectual property can command higher compensation within the state's legal market.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,290 |
| 25th percentile | $43,670 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $47,420 |
| 75th percentile | $61,880 |
| 90th percentile | $81,700 |
Top-Paying Industries for Paralegal (U.S.)
Which industries pay Paralegals the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Paralegals in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $97,880 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $97,640 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $96,380 | 110 |
| Utilities | $95,330 | 280 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $94,940 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Paralegal in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $46,940 |
| 2025 | $47,420 |
| 2026 (projected) | $47,905 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $46,940 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $47,420 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $47,905 | $62,739 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $43,670 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $47,420 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $61,880 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $81,700 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Paralegal ($47,420 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in AR | $98,880 | +108.5% | $47.54/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in AR | $80,150 | +69.0% | $38.53/hr |
| Title Examiner in AR | $47,510 | +0.2% | $22.84/hr |
| Police Officer in AR | $47,670 | +0.5% | $22.92/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in AR | $47,760 | +0.7% | $22.96/hr |
| Writer and Author in AR | $47,970 | +1.2% | $23.06/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in AR | $46,360 | -2.2% | $22.29/hr |
| Graphic Designer in AR | $46,220 | -2.5% | $22.22/hr |
| Plumber in AR | $48,660 | +2.6% | $23.39/hr |
| Electrician in AR | $49,070 | +3.5% | $23.59/hr |
| Editor in AR | $50,180 | +5.8% | $24.13/hr |
| Web Developer in AR | $50,550 | +6.6% | $24.30/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paralegals make in Arkansas?
- Paralegals in Arkansas earn a median salary of $47,420 per year, or approximately $23 per hour. This is 23.6% below the national average for paralegals.
What is the salary range for paralegals in Arkansas?
- Paralegal salaries in Arkansas range from $36,290 at the lower end to $81,700 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is paralegal pay in Arkansas below the national average?
- Yes, Arkansas paralegal salaries are notably below the national average, with the median salary of $47,420 representing a 23.6% difference compared to the national median.
How many paralegals work in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 1,610 paralegals employed in Arkansas, making it a small but established segment of the legal services workforce in the state.