Pharmacist Salary in Arkansas
Based on 3K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$136,060
$65.41/hr
vs National Average
$142,891
-4.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$106K – $165K
3K employed in Arkansas
Pharmacist salary in Arkansas averages $136,060 per year, with approximately 2,900 pharmacists currently employed throughout the state. This median figure falls about 5% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations. Salaries in the state typically range from $105,560 to $164,940 annually, depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence pharmacist compensation in Arkansas, including years of experience, work setting, and specialization. Pharmacists working in hospital settings or specialized roles often earn more than those in retail environments. Geographic location within the state, employer size, and additional certifications can also impact earning potential. Understanding these variables helps pharmacists assess competitive offers and plan their career development accordingly.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacist in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $105,560 |
| 25th percentile | $130,260 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $136,060 |
| 75th percentile | $154,540 |
| 90th percentile | $164,940 |
Top-Paying Industries for Pharmacist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Pharmacists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Pharmacists in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $156,600 | 122K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $156,490 | 470 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $153,650 | 10K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $150,350 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $144,820 | 5K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Pharmacist in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $128,570 |
| 2023 | $131,510 |
| 2024 | $134,230 |
| 2025 | $136,060 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,915 |
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 | $128,570 | $132,955 |
| 2023 | $131,510 | $136,337 |
| 2024 | $134,230 | $138,804 |
| 2025 | $136,060 | $142,891 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,915 | $144,839 |
Pharmacist Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $130,260 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $136,060 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $154,540 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $164,940 |
Pharmacist Salary in Other States
Related Pharmacist Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Pharmacist ($136,060 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pharmacist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in AR | $254,940 | +87.4% | $122.57/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AR | $233,130 | +71.3% | $112.08/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AR | $224,280 | +64.8% | $107.83/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AR | $215,820 | +58.6% | $103.76/hr |
| Dentist in AR | $178,930 | +31.5% | $86.02/hr |
| Pediatrician in AR | $160,440 | +17.9% | $77.13/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AR | $125,660 | -7.6% | $60.41/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AR | $124,750 | -8.3% | $59.98/hr |
| Optometrist in AR | $124,470 | -8.5% | $59.84/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AR | $118,430 | -13.0% | $56.94/hr |
| Veterinarian in AR | $107,710 | -20.8% | $51.78/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in AR | $106,360 | -21.8% | $51.13/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pharmacists make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for pharmacists in Arkansas is $136,060 per year, or $65 per hour. This is about 4.8% lower than the national average for pharmacists.
What is the salary range for pharmacists in Arkansas?
- Pharmacist salaries in Arkansas range from $105,560 on the lower end to $164,940 on the higher end, depending on experience, employer, and other factors.
Is being a pharmacist in Arkansas a well-paying job?
- Yes, pharmacists in Arkansas earn a median of $136,060 annually, which is a solid middle-to-upper income. However, it's about 4.8% below the national pharmacist average, so other states may offer slightly higher compensation.
How many pharmacists are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 2,900 pharmacists currently employed in Arkansas, indicating a stable job market for this profession in the state.