Physician Assistant Salary in Arkansas
Based on 850+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$118,430
$56.94/hr
vs National Average
$136,050
-13.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$88K – $159K
850 employed in Arkansas
Physician Assistant salary in Arkansas averages $118,430 per year, according to recent labor data. With approximately 850 Physician Assistants employed across the state, this represents a stable healthcare workforce. However, Arkansas salaries run about 13% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations compared to other states.
Several factors influence Physician Assistant salary in Arkansas, including experience level, specialty, and work setting. Rural versus urban employment locations significantly impact compensation, with metropolitan areas typically offering higher wages. Additionally, employer type—whether a hospital, clinic, or private practice—and individual credentials or certifications affect earning potential. Market demand for healthcare services in specific regions also plays a role in determining salary ranges across the state.
Salary Distribution — Physician Assistant in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $88,160 |
| 25th percentile | $103,810 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $118,430 |
| 75th percentile | $133,270 |
| 90th percentile | $159,080 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physician Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physician Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physician Assistants in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $158,550 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $157,040 | 5K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $143,220 | 510 |
| Finance and Insurance | $138,040 | 50 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $137,710 | 350 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physician Assistant in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,780 |
| 2023 | $99,220 |
| 2024 | $103,550 |
| 2025 | $118,430 |
| 2026 (projected) | $125,536 |
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 | $49,780 | $119,792 |
| 2023 | $99,220 | $128,247 |
| 2024 | $103,550 | $131,771 |
| 2025 | $118,430 | $136,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $125,536 | $144,213 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $103,810 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $118,430 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $133,270 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $159,080 |
Physician Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Physician Assistant Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Physician Assistant ($118,430 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physician Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in AR | $254,940 | +115.3% | $122.57/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AR | $233,130 | +96.9% | $112.08/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AR | $224,280 | +89.4% | $107.83/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AR | $215,820 | +82.2% | $103.76/hr |
| Dentist in AR | $178,930 | +51.1% | $86.02/hr |
| Pediatrician in AR | $160,440 | +35.5% | $77.13/hr |
| Pharmacist in AR | $136,060 | +14.9% | $65.41/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AR | $125,660 | +6.1% | $60.41/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AR | $124,750 | +5.3% | $59.98/hr |
| Optometrist in AR | $124,470 | +5.1% | $59.84/hr |
| Veterinarian in AR | $107,710 | -9.1% | $51.78/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in AR | $106,360 | -10.2% | $51.13/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physician assistants make in Arkansas?
- Physician assistants in Arkansas earn a median salary of $118,430 per year, or approximately $57 per hour. This is about 13% lower than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for physician assistants in Arkansas?
- Physician assistant salaries in Arkansas range from $88,160 at the lower end to $159,080 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
Is the Arkansas physician assistant salary below the national average?
- Yes, Arkansas physician assistants earn 13% less than the national average, with a median of $118,430 compared to higher salaries in many other states.
How many physician assistants are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 850 physician assistants currently employed in Arkansas, representing the total workforce for this profession in the state.