Police Officer Salary in Arkansas
Based on 6K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$47,670
$22.92/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
-35.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$35K – $70K
6K employed in Arkansas
The median salary for Police Officers in Arkansas is $47,670 per year, which translates to approximately $23 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, sitting at 35.7% less. There are currently 5,710 Police Officers employed across the state.
Several factors can influence a Police Officer salary in Arkansas, including years of experience, specific department location, and any specialized training or certifications held. The salary range for these professionals in the state spans from $35,210 to $70,190 annually.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,210 |
| 25th percentile | $40,100 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $47,670 |
| 75th percentile | $56,720 |
| 90th percentile | $70,190 |
Top-Paying Industries for Police Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Police Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Police Officers in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $98,750 | — |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $83,620 | 370 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $76,520 | 642K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $65,640 | 3K |
| Educational Services | $62,110 | 24K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Police Officer in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,670 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,100 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,670 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,100 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $40,100 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $47,670 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $56,720 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $70,190 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Police Officer ($47,670 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in AR | $39,690 | -16.7% | $19.08/hr |
| Security Guard in AR | $35,770 | -25.0% | $17.20/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in AR | $47,760 | +0.2% | $22.96/hr |
| Title Examiner in AR | $47,510 | -0.3% | $22.84/hr |
| Paralegal in AR | $47,420 | -0.5% | $22.80/hr |
| Writer and Author in AR | $47,970 | +0.6% | $23.06/hr |
| Plumber in AR | $48,660 | +2.1% | $23.39/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in AR | $46,360 | -2.7% | $22.29/hr |
| Electrician in AR | $49,070 | +2.9% | $23.59/hr |
| Graphic Designer in AR | $46,220 | -3.0% | $22.22/hr |
| Editor in AR | $50,180 | +5.3% | $24.13/hr |
| Web Developer in AR | $50,550 | +6.0% | $24.30/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Police Officer salary in Arkansas?
- The median Police Officer salary in Arkansas is $47,670 per year. This means half of all Police Officers in the state earn less than this amount, and half earn more.
How much do entry-level Police Officers make in Arkansas?
- Entry-level Police Officers in Arkansas, often those at the lower end of the experience spectrum, can expect to earn around $35,210 annually. This represents the starting point for the salary range in the state.
What is the potential earning for experienced Police Officers in Arkansas?
- Experienced Police Officers in Arkansas can potentially earn up to $70,190 per year. This higher end of the salary range is typically achieved after several years on the job and with accumulated expertise.
Is the Police Officer salary in Arkansas significantly different from the national average?
- Yes, the Police Officer salary in Arkansas is significantly lower than the national average. On average, Arkansas officers earn 35.7% less than their counterparts across the United States.