Business & Finance Little Rock, AR Pop. 202,591

Economist Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas

The median economist salary in Little Rock, AR is $99,128 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 3.6% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$99,128
vs State Avg
+$3,418
vs National
$-14,812
Cost of Living
87%

Economist Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median economist salary of $99,128, which is $3,418 above the Arkansas state average of $95,710. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 $99,128 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Little Rock spans from $53,940 at the 10th percentile to $172,260 at the 90th percentile — a $118,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,550, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $160,950. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level economist earns around $56,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $160,950 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,550
$-8,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,050
$-14,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$160,950
$-24,050 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Little Rock, AR

Percentile Little Rock
10th Percentile $53,940
25th Percentile $71,340
Median (50th) $99,128
75th Percentile $134,850
90th Percentile $172,260

Economist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$100,267
Pop. 93,949
Springdale, AR
$95,710
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$93,431
Pop. 78,576
Fort Smith, AR
$91,152
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Economist in Little Rock

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Little Rock and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Little Rock may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Little Rock

Browse open economist positions in Little Rock, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Economist make in Little Rock, AR? ▼
The median economist salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $99,128 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $53,940 (10th percentile) to $172,260 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Little Rock? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $99,128, a economist in Little Rock earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for economist pay? ▼
Little Rock's median economist salary of $99,128 is 3.6% above the Arkansas state average of $95,710. 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 economist salary of $99,128 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Little Rock? ▼
Most economist positions in Little Rock require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.