Registered Nurses Salary in Arkansas
Official Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024 - AR
Median Annual Salary in Arkansas
$74,768
$35.95 / hour
▼ 16.0% below national avg
National Median
$89,010
$42.79 / hour nationally
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$84,771
Missouri equivalent (COL: 88.2)
Registered Nurses Salary in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (Entry Level) | $39,627 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,833 |
| 50th (Median) | $74,768 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,180 |
| 90th (Top Earners) | $128,601 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | |
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Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
The Arkansas median salary of $74,768 for Registered Nurses has the purchasing power of approximately $84,771 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).
Arkansas's lower cost of living (COL index: 88.2) means your salary goes further than in higher-cost states.
COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Arkansas?
Registered Nurses in Arkansas earn a median annual salary of $74,768 per year ($35.95/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is below the national median of $89,010.
Is Arkansas a good state for Registered Nurses?
Arkansas pays slightly below the national average for registered nurses. Cost of living in Arkansas is lower average (COL index: 88.2).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Registered Nurses in Arkansas?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 88.2 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $74,768 salary in Arkansas has the purchasing power of approximately $84,771 in Missouri. Lower living costs in Arkansas increase real purchasing power.
How does Arkansas compare to neighboring states for Registered Nurses salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Registered Nurses salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.
Top Paying Jobs in Arkansas
| # | Job Title | Median Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologists | $279,048 |
| 2 | Radiologists | $260,333 |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $257,225 |
| 4 | Neurologists | $248,304 |
| 5 | Surgeons, All Other | $247,397 |
| 6 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $228,379 |
| 7 | Psychiatrists | $209,830 |
| 8 | Physicians, Pathologists | $204,893 |
| Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 | ||
About Registered Nurses in Arkansas
Registered Nurses work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy.
Education Required: Bachelor's degree