Media & Communications Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Journalist Salary in Arkansas

The median journalist salary in Arkansas is $47,006 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$47,006
vs National
$-8,954
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Journalist Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level journalist earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,000 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,000
$-16,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $26,880
25th Percentile $33,600
Median (50th) $47,006
75th Percentile $65,520
90th Percentile $92,400

Journalist Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for journalists in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Little Rock, AR
$48,685
Pop. 202,591 · COL 87%
Fort Smith, AR
$44,768
Pop. 89,142 · COL 80%
Fayetteville, AR
$49,245
Pop. 93,949 · COL 88%
Springdale, AR
$47,006
Pop. 80,433 · COL 84%
Jonesboro, AR
$45,887
Pop. 78,576 · COL 82%

How to Become a Journalist in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Journalist Jobs in Arkansas

Browse open journalist positions in Arkansas:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Journalist make in Arkansas? ▼
The median journalist salary in Arkansas is $47,006 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $26,880 (10th percentile) to $92,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,006, a journalist in Arkansas earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for journalists? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $29,400, while senior professionals earn $84,000.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. Arkansas's median of $47,006 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($48,685) and Oklahoma ($48,126).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level journalist in Arkansas earns approximately $29,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,720. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $84,000.
What city in Arkansas pays journalists the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for journalists, with a median salary of $49,245. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.