Registered Nurse Salary in Arkansas
Based on 29K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$78,940
$37.95/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
-16.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$61K – $104K
29K employed in Arkansas
Registered Nurse salary in Arkansas averages $78,940 per year, with approximately 29,400 nurses currently employed across the state. This median falls about 16% below the national average, reflecting Arkansas's regional cost of living and healthcare market conditions. Salaries in this field range from $60,780 for entry-level positions to $103,660 for experienced professionals.
Several factors influence registered nurse compensation in Arkansas, including years of experience, specialized certifications, and work setting. Nurses employed in hospitals, specialized clinics, or critical care units typically earn higher wages than those in outpatient facilities. Geographic location within the state, employer size, and current demand for nursing staff also play significant roles in determining individual salary outcomes.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,780 |
| 25th percentile | $66,640 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,940 |
| 75th percentile | $90,280 |
| 90th percentile | $103,660 |
Top H-1B Employers for Registered Nurse in Arkansas
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Arkansas — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Management Health Systems, LLC | 5 | $66,560 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Registered Nurse H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Arkansas
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Arkansas.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | Qualified | $66,560 | 5 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,130 |
| 2023 | $72,920 |
| 2024 | $77,130 |
| 2025 | $78,940 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,792 |
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 | $64,130 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $72,920 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $77,130 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $78,940 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,792 | $96,306 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $66,640 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,940 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $90,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $103,660 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Registered Nurse ($78,940 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in AR | $254,940 | +223.0% | $122.57/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AR | $233,130 | +195.3% | $112.08/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AR | $224,280 | +184.1% | $107.83/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AR | $215,820 | +173.4% | $103.76/hr |
| Dentist in AR | $178,930 | +126.7% | $86.02/hr |
| Pediatrician in AR | $160,440 | +103.2% | $77.13/hr |
| Pharmacist in AR | $136,060 | +72.4% | $65.41/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AR | $125,660 | +59.2% | $60.41/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AR | $124,750 | +58.0% | $59.98/hr |
| Optometrist in AR | $124,470 | +57.7% | $59.84/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AR | $118,430 | +50.0% | $56.94/hr |
| Veterinarian in AR | $107,710 | +36.4% | $51.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for registered nurses in Arkansas is $78,940 per year, or $38 per hour. This is 16.1% lower than the national average for registered nurses.
What is the salary range for registered nurses in Arkansas?
- Registered nurses in Arkansas earn between $60,780 and $103,660 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. The wide range reflects differences in specialization and years of practice in the field.
How many registered nurses work in Arkansas?
- Approximately 29,400 registered nurses are currently employed in Arkansas, making it a significant portion of the state's healthcare workforce.
Is the registered nurse salary in Arkansas below the national average?
- Yes, Arkansas registered nurses earn 16.1% less than the national average, with a median of $78,940 compared to higher rates in other states. However, the cost of living in Arkansas is also lower, which may offset the salary difference.