Healthcare Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Psychiatrist Salary in Arkansas

The median psychiatrist salary in Arkansas is $209,617 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $255,630.

Median Salary
$209,617
vs National
$-46,013
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Psychiatrist Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for psychiatrist compensation. Psychiatrist salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $209,617 per year, psychiatrists in Arkansas earn $46,013 less than the national median of $255,630.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $209,617 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $249,544 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: psychiatrists at the 10th percentile earn $98,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $328,000 — a $229,600 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 $219,842.

Nationally, psychiatrist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for psychiatrists across the country.

Psychiatrist Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level psychiatrist earns around $102,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $315,700 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$102,500
$-22,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$211,560
$-46,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$315,700
$-69,300 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $98,400
25th Percentile $143,500
Median (50th) $209,617
75th Percentile $270,600
90th Percentile $328,000

Psychiatrist Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for psychiatrists 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 Psychiatrist in Arkansas

Education

Most psychiatrist positions require a doctoral degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PsychiatryPsychopharmacologyCBT/DBTDiagnosisPatient AssessmentDocumentation

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, psychiatrist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Psychiatrist Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Psychiatrist make in Arkansas? ▼
The median psychiatrist salary in Arkansas is $209,617 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $255,630. Salaries range from $98,400 (10th percentile) to $328,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychiatrist make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $209,617, a psychiatrist in Arkansas earns approximately $101 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for psychiatrists? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for psychiatrist pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level psychiatrists earn $102,500, while senior professionals earn $315,700.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for psychiatrist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for psychiatrists is Hawaii at $455,021. Arkansas's median of $209,617 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($222,398) and Oklahoma ($214,729).
What is the entry-level psychiatrist salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level psychiatrist in Arkansas earns approximately $102,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $211,560. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $315,700.
What city in Arkansas pays psychiatrists the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for psychiatrists, with a median salary of $219,842. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.