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

Paralegal Salary in Arkansas

The median paralegal salary in Arkansas is $49,728 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $59,200.

Median Salary
$49,728
vs National
$-9,472
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Paralegal Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for paralegal compensation. Paralegal salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $49,728 per year, paralegals in Arkansas earn $9,472 less than the national median of $59,200.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $49,728 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $59,200 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: paralegals at the 10th percentile earn $32,256, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $77,616 — a $45,360 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 $52,096.

Nationally, paralegal employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for paralegals across the country.

Paralegal Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level paralegal earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,400 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
$-6,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,400
$-13,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $32,256
25th Percentile $39,312
Median (50th) $49,728
75th Percentile $63,000
90th Percentile $77,616

Paralegal Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for paralegals 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 Paralegal in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal ResearchDocument DraftingCase ManagementWestlaw/LexisNexisAttention to DetailCommunication

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, paralegal employment is projected to grow 4% 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: Paralegal Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Paralegal make in Arkansas? ▼
The median paralegal salary in Arkansas is $49,728 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $59,200. Salaries range from $32,256 (10th percentile) to $77,616 (90th percentile).
How much does a Paralegal make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,728, a paralegal in Arkansas earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for paralegals? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for paralegal pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level paralegals earn $33,600, while senior professionals earn $71,400.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for paralegal salary? ▼
The highest paying state for paralegals is Hawaii at $100,640. Arkansas's median of $49,728 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($51,504) and Oklahoma ($50,912).
What is the entry-level paralegal salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level paralegal in Arkansas earns approximately $33,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $50,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $71,400.
What city in Arkansas pays paralegals the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for paralegals, with a median salary of $52,096. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.