Training and Development Specialist Salary in Arkansas
Based on 4K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$52,290
$25.14/hr
vs National Average
$68,663
-23.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$29K – $97K
4K employed in Arkansas
Training and Development Specialist salary in Arkansas averages $52,290 per year, according to recent labor data. This figure represents compensation for the state's 3,880 workers in this field. However, Arkansas salaries fall approximately 24% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations that typically influence pay scales across the state.
Several factors shape Training and Development Specialist salary in Arkansas, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry sector. Salaries range considerably from $29,490 to $96,950 annually, with variation depending on employer size, geographic location within the state, and specialized certifications. Workers in larger metropolitan areas or specialized industries tend to earn toward the higher end of this spectrum.
Salary Distribution — Training and Development Specialist in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,490 |
| 25th percentile | $38,320 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $52,290 |
| 75th percentile | $70,630 |
| 90th percentile | $96,950 |
Top-Paying Industries for Training and Development Specialist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Training and Development Specialists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Training and Development Specialists in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $126,550 | 4K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $100,340 | 950 |
| Information | $82,170 | 14K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $82,110 | 54K |
| Wholesale Trade | $81,830 | 18K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Training and Development Specialist in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $45,390 |
| 2023 | $50,850 |
| 2024 | $48,330 |
| 2025 | $52,290 |
| 2026 (projected) | $55,427 |
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 | $45,390 | $64,113 |
| 2023 | $50,850 | $65,126 |
| 2024 | $48,330 | $66,604 |
| 2025 | $52,290 | $68,663 |
| 2026 (projected) | $55,427 | $72,783 |
Training and Development Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $38,320 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $52,290 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $70,630 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $96,950 |
Training and Development Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Training and Development Specialist Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Training and Development Specialist ($52,290 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Training and Development Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in AR | $78,400 | +49.9% | $37.69/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in AR | $75,870 | +45.1% | $36.48/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in AR | $73,800 | +41.1% | $35.48/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in AR | $65,430 | +25.1% | $31.46/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in AR | $65,000 | +24.3% | $31.25/hr |
| Editor in AR | $50,180 | -4.0% | $24.13/hr |
| Writer and Author in AR | $47,970 | -8.3% | $23.06/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in AR | $38,180 | -27.0% | $18.36/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in AR | $52,060 | -0.4% | $25.03/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in AR | $52,700 | +0.8% | $25.34/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in AR | $51,580 | -1.4% | $24.80/hr |
| Truck Driver in AR | $51,550 | -1.4% | $24.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Training and Development Specialists make in Arkansas?
- Training and Development Specialists in Arkansas earn a median salary of $52,290 per year, or $25 per hour. This is approximately 23.8% lower than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for a Training and Development Specialist in Arkansas?
- The salary range for Training and Development Specialists in Arkansas spans from $29,490 at the low end to $96,950 at the high end, depending on experience, education, and employer.
How many Training and Development Specialists are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 3,880 Training and Development Specialists currently employed in Arkansas, indicating a stable job market for this profession in the state.
Is the Training and Development Specialist salary in Arkansas below the national average?
- Yes, the median salary of $52,290 in Arkansas is 23.8% below the national average for Training and Development Specialists, making it a lower-paying state for this career compared to the rest of the country.