Construction & Real Estate Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Architect Salary in Arkansas

The median architect salary in Arkansas is $69,586 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $82,840.

Median Salary
$69,586
vs National
$-13,254
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Architect Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for architect compensation. Architect salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $69,586 per year, architects in Arkansas earn $13,254 less than the national median of $82,840.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $69,586 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $82,840 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: architects at the 10th percentile earn $42,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $124,320 — a $82,320 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 $72,899.

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for architects across the country.

Architect Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level architect earns around $43,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 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)
$71,400
$-13,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,600
$-22,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $42,000
25th Percentile $53,760
Median (50th) $69,586
75th Percentile $94,080
90th Percentile $124,320

Architect Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for architects 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 Architect in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% 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: Architect Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Architect make in Arkansas? ▼
The median architect salary in Arkansas is $69,586 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $42,000 (10th percentile) to $124,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,586, a architect in Arkansas earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for architects? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for architect pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level architects earn $43,680, while senior professionals earn $117,600.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for architect salary? ▼
The highest paying state for architects is Hawaii at $140,828. Arkansas's median of $69,586 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($72,071) and Oklahoma ($71,242).
What is the entry-level architect salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level architect in Arkansas earns approximately $43,680 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $71,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $117,600.
What city in Arkansas pays architects the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for architects, with a median salary of $72,899. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.