College Professor Salary in Little Rock, AR: $72,976 (2026)

College Professor Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median college professor salary of $72,976, which is $2,517 above the Arkansas state average of $70,459. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $72,976 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for college professors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for college professors in Little Rock spans from $39,150 at the 10th percentile to $146,160 at the 90th percentile — a $107,010 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,760, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $139,200. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level college professor earns around $41,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$41,760

$-6,240 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$74,820

$-11,180 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$139,200

$-20,800 vs national

Percentile	Little Rock	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$39,150	$37,800	$45,000
25th Percentile	$52,200	$50,400	$60,000
Median (50th)	$72,976	$70,459	$83,880
75th Percentile	$104,400	$100,800	$120,000
90th Percentile	$146,160	$141,120	$168,000

Percentile

Little Rock

10th Percentile

$39,150

25th Percentile

$52,200

Median (50th)

$72,976

75th Percentile

$104,400

90th Percentile

$146,160

How to Become a College Professor in Little Rock

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Little Rock and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Little Rock may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Little Rock

How much does a College Professor make in Little Rock, AR? ▼

The median college professor salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $72,976 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $39,150 (10th percentile) to $146,160 (90th percentile).

How much does a College Professor make per hour in Little Rock? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $72,976, a college professor in Little Rock earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for college professor pay? ▼

Little Rock's median college professor salary of $72,976 is 3.6% above the Arkansas state average of $70,459. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼

Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $72,976 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Little Rock? ▼

Most college professor positions in Little Rock require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

College Professor Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas