Hospitality & Tourism Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Hotel Manager Salary in Arkansas

The median hotel manager salary in Arkansas is $51,240 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $61,000.

Median Salary
$51,240
vs National
$-9,760
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Hotel Manager Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for hotel manager compensation. Hotel Manager salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $51,240 per year, hotel managers in Arkansas earn $9,760 less than the national median of $61,000.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $51,240 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $61,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: hotel managers at the 10th percentile earn $29,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $94,080 — a $64,680 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 $53,680.

Nationally, hotel manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for hotel managers across the country.

Hotel Manager Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level hotel manager earns around $31,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,200 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,920
$-6,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,200
$-16,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $29,400
25th Percentile $37,800
Median (50th) $51,240
75th Percentile $71,400
90th Percentile $94,080

Hotel Manager Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for hotel managers 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 Hotel Manager in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

Hospitality ManagementCustomer ServiceBudgetingStaff ManagementOperationsRevenue Management

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, hotel manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Hotel Manager Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Hotel Manager make in Arkansas? ▼
The median hotel manager salary in Arkansas is $51,240 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $61,000. Salaries range from $29,400 (10th percentile) to $94,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Hotel Manager make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,240, a hotel manager in Arkansas earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for hotel managers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for hotel manager pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level hotel managers earn $31,920, while senior professionals earn $88,200.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for hotel manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for hotel managers is Hawaii at $103,700. Arkansas's median of $51,240 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($53,070) and Oklahoma ($52,460).
What is the entry-level hotel manager salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level hotel manager in Arkansas earns approximately $31,920 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $52,920. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $88,200.
What city in Arkansas pays hotel managers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for hotel managers, with a median salary of $53,680. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.