Creative & Education Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Instructional Designer Salary in Arkansas

The median instructional designer salary in Arkansas is $60,480 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $72,000.

Median Salary
$60,480
vs National
$-11,520
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Instructional Designer Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for instructional designer compensation. Instructional Designer salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $60,480 per year, instructional designers in Arkansas earn $11,520 less than the national median of $72,000.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $60,480 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $72,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: instructional designers at the 10th percentile earn $36,960, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $99,120 — a $62,160 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 $63,360.

Nationally, instructional designer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for instructional designers across the country.

Instructional Designer Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $38,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,080 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,640
$-7,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,160
$-11,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$94,080
$-17,920 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $47,040
Median (50th) $60,480
75th Percentile $79,800
90th Percentile $99,120

Instructional Designer Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for instructional designers 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 Instructional Designer in Arkansas

Education

Most instructional designer positions require a master's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Instructional DesignArticulate/CaptivateLMSADDIE ModelE-LearningAssessment Design

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, instructional designer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows Instructional Designers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $33,600 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Arkansas? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Arkansas is $60,480 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $99,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,480, a instructional designer in Arkansas earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for instructional designers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for instructional designer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level instructional designers earn $38,640, while senior professionals earn $94,080.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for instructional designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for instructional designers is Hawaii at $122,400. Arkansas's median of $60,480 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($62,640) and Oklahoma ($61,920).
What is the entry-level instructional designer salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level instructional designer in Arkansas earns approximately $38,640 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $62,160. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $94,080.
What city in Arkansas pays instructional designers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for instructional designers, with a median salary of $63,360. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.