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

Project Manager Salary in Arkansas

The median project manager salary in Arkansas is $80,111 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $95,370.

Median Salary
$80,111
vs National
$-15,259
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Project Manager Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for project manager compensation. Project Manager salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $80,111 per year, project managers in Arkansas earn $15,259 less than the national median of $95,370.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $80,111 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $95,370 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: project managers at the 10th percentile earn $47,208, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $133,644 — a $86,436 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 $83,926.

Nationally, project manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for project managers across the country.

Project Manager Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level project manager earns around $48,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,800 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,720
$-9,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,640
$-15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,800
$-23,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $47,208
25th Percentile $61,320
Median (50th) $80,111
75th Percentile $105,840
90th Percentile $133,644

Project Manager Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for project managers 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 Project Manager in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

Agile/ScrumRisk ManagementBudgetingStakeholder CommunicationJIRA/AsanaPMP Certification

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, project manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Project Manager Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Project Manager make in Arkansas? ▼
The median project manager salary in Arkansas is $80,111 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $95,370. Salaries range from $47,208 (10th percentile) to $133,644 (90th percentile).
How much does a Project Manager make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,111, a project manager in Arkansas earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for project managers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for project manager pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level project managers earn $48,720, while senior professionals earn $121,800.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for project manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for project managers is Hawaii at $162,129. Arkansas's median of $80,111 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($82,972) and Oklahoma ($82,018).
What is the entry-level project manager salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level project manager in Arkansas earns approximately $48,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $80,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $121,800.
What city in Arkansas pays project managers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for project managers, with a median salary of $83,926. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.