Business & Finance Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Accountant Salary in Arkansas

The median accountant salary in Arkansas is $67,099 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $79,880.

Median Salary
$67,099
vs National
$-12,781
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Accountant Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for accountant compensation. Accountant salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $67,099 per year, accountants in Arkansas earn $12,781 less than the national median of $79,880.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $67,099 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $79,880 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: accountants at the 10th percentile earn $42,336, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $111,552 — a $69,216 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $70,294.

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for accountants across the country.

Accountant Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level accountant earns around $43,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,800 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,680
$-8,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
$-12,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,800
$-19,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $42,336
25th Percentile $52,668
Median (50th) $67,099
75th Percentile $86,016
90th Percentile $111,552

Accountant Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for accountants in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Accountant in Arkansas

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Accountant make in Arkansas? ▼
The median accountant salary in Arkansas is $67,099 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $42,336 (10th percentile) to $111,552 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,099, a accountant in Arkansas earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for accountants? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for accountant pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level accountants earn $43,680, while senior professionals earn $100,800.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for accountant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for accountants is Hawaii at $135,796. Arkansas's median of $67,099 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($69,496) and Oklahoma ($68,697).
What is the entry-level accountant salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level accountant in Arkansas earns approximately $43,680 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $67,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $100,800.
What city in Arkansas pays accountants the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for accountants, with a median salary of $70,294. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.