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

Financial Controller Salary in Arkansas

The median financial controller salary in Arkansas is $105,000 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $125,000.

Median Salary
$105,000
vs National
$-20,000
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Financial Controller Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for financial controller compensation. Financial Controller salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $105,000 per year, financial controllers in Arkansas earn $20,000 less than the national median of $125,000.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $105,000 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $125,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: financial controllers at the 10th percentile earn $65,520, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $166,320 — a $100,800 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 $110,000.

Nationally, financial controller employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for financial controllers across the country.

Financial Controller Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level financial controller earns around $68,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,600 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,880
$-13,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$107,520
$-20,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,600
$-30,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $65,520
25th Percentile $82,320
Median (50th) $105,000
75th Percentile $136,080
90th Percentile $166,320

Financial Controller Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for financial controllers 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 Financial Controller in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPERP SystemsBudgetingTeam LeadershipTax Compliance

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, financial controller employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Controller Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Financial Controller make in Arkansas? ▼
The median financial controller salary in Arkansas is $105,000 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $65,520 (10th percentile) to $166,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $105,000, a financial controller in Arkansas earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for financial controllers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for financial controller pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level financial controllers earn $68,880, while senior professionals earn $159,600.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for financial controller salary? ▼
The highest paying state for financial controllers is Hawaii at $212,500. Arkansas's median of $105,000 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($108,750) and Oklahoma ($107,500).
What is the entry-level financial controller salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level financial controller in Arkansas earns approximately $68,880 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $107,520. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $159,600.
What city in Arkansas pays financial controllers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for financial controllers, with a median salary of $110,000. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.