Physicist Salary in Arkansas
Based on 60+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$135,820
$65.30/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
-11.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$110K – $214K
60 employed in Arkansas
The median physicist salary in Arkansas is $135,820 per year, based on data from approximately 60 employed physicists in the state. This figure falls 12% below the national average, reflecting regional differences in compensation across the country. Physicists in Arkansas earn between $110,390 and $214,000 annually, depending on their specific circumstances and experience level.
Several factors influence physicist salary in Arkansas, including years of experience, educational credentials, employer type, and specialization within the field. Research institutions, universities, and private industry employers may offer different compensation packages. Geographic location within Arkansas, along with demand for specialized physics expertise, also play roles in determining individual salaries within this professional range.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $110,390 |
| 25th percentile | $110,390 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $135,820 |
| 75th percentile | $175,050 |
| 90th percentile | $214,000 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physicist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physicists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physicists in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $239,360 | 3K |
| Wholesale Trade | $219,010 | — |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $213,780 | 50 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $210,530 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $176,170 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physicist in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,810 |
| 2023 | $128,640 |
| 2024 | $131,880 |
| 2025 | $135,820 |
| 2026 (projected) | $139,878 |
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 | $97,810 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $128,640 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $131,880 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $135,820 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $139,878 | $158,357 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $110,390 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $135,820 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $175,050 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $214,000 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Physicist ($135,820 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in AR | $82,390 | -39.3% | $39.61/hr |
| Psychologist in AR | $77,520 | -42.9% | $37.27/hr |
| Chemist in AR | $75,570 | -44.4% | $36.33/hr |
| Medical Scientist in AR | $72,530 | -46.6% | $34.87/hr |
| Geoscientist in AR | $67,880 | -50.0% | $32.63/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in AR | $63,530 | -53.2% | $30.54/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in AR | $57,220 | -57.9% | $27.51/hr |
| Pharmacist in AR | $136,060 | +0.2% | $65.41/hr |
| Marketing Manager in AR | $136,520 | +0.5% | $65.63/hr |
| Engineering Manager in AR | $140,600 | +3.5% | $67.60/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in AR | $127,220 | -6.3% | $61.16/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AR | $125,660 | -7.5% | $60.41/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for physicists in Arkansas is $135,820 per year, or $65 per hour. This is approximately 11.7% below the national average for physicists.
What is the salary range for physicists in Arkansas?
- Physicists in Arkansas earn between $110,390 and $214,000 annually, depending on experience and specialization. The median falls at $135,820, which represents the middle point of this range.
Is the physicist salary in Arkansas competitive compared to the national average?
- No, the median physicist salary in Arkansas at $135,820 per year is 11.7% lower than the national average. However, top-earning physicists in the state can reach up to $214,000 annually.
How many physicists work in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 60 physicists employed in Arkansas. This represents a relatively small workforce in the state compared to larger employment centers.