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

Librarian Salary in Arkansas

The median librarian salary in Arkansas is $51,400 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $61,190.

Median Salary
$51,400
vs National
$-9,790
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Librarian Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for librarian compensation. Librarian salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $51,400 per year, librarians in Arkansas earn $9,790 less than the national median of $61,190.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $51,400 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $61,190 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: librarians at the 10th percentile earn $32,928, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $81,144 — a $48,216 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 $53,847.

Nationally, librarian employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for librarians across the country.

Librarian Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level librarian earns around $35,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,920 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,280
$-6,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,080
$-9,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,920
$-14,080 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $32,928
25th Percentile $41,160
Median (50th) $51,400
75th Percentile $64,848
90th Percentile $81,144

Librarian Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for librarians 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 Librarian in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

Information ScienceResearchCatalogingCommunity ProgrammingDigital LiteracyDatabase Management

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, librarian employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Librarian Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Librarian make in Arkansas? ▼
The median librarian salary in Arkansas is $51,400 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $61,190. Salaries range from $32,928 (10th percentile) to $81,144 (90th percentile).
How much does a Librarian make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,400, a librarian in Arkansas earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for librarians? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for librarian pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level librarians earn $35,280, while senior professionals earn $73,920.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for librarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for librarians is Hawaii at $104,023. Arkansas's median of $51,400 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($53,235) and Oklahoma ($52,623).
What is the entry-level librarian salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level librarian in Arkansas earns approximately $35,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $52,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $73,920.
What city in Arkansas pays librarians the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for librarians, with a median salary of $53,847. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.