Healthcare Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Physician Assistant Salary in Arkansas

The median physician assistant salary in Arkansas is $103,328 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $126,010.

Median Salary
$103,328
vs National
$-22,682
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Physician Assistant Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for physician assistant compensation. Physician Assistant salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $103,328 per year, physician assistants in Arkansas earn $22,682 less than the national median of $126,010.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $103,328 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $123,010 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: physician assistants at the 10th percentile earn $68,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $142,680 — a $73,800 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 $108,369.

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Arkansas and beyond.

Physician Assistant Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,840 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,160
$-15,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$103,320
$-22,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,840
$-29,160 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $68,880
25th Percentile $86,920
Median (50th) $103,328
75th Percentile $123,820
90th Percentile $142,680

Physician Assistant Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for physician assistants 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 Physician Assistant in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Arkansas? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Arkansas is $103,328 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $68,880 (10th percentile) to $142,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $103,328, a physician assistant in Arkansas earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for physician assistants? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for physician assistant pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level physician assistants earn $72,160, while senior professionals earn $132,840.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for physician assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physician assistants is Hawaii at $224,298. Arkansas's median of $103,328 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($109,629) and Oklahoma ($105,848).
What is the entry-level physician assistant salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level physician assistant in Arkansas earns approximately $72,160 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $103,320. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $132,840.
What city in Arkansas pays physician assistants the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for physician assistants, with a median salary of $108,369. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.