Healthcare Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Psychologist Salary in Arkansas

The median psychologist salary in Arkansas is $69,971 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $85,330.

Median Salary
$69,971
vs National
$-15,359
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Psychologist Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for psychologist compensation. Psychologist salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $69,971 per year, psychologists in Arkansas earn $15,359 less than the national median of $85,330.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $69,971 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $83,299 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: psychologists at the 10th percentile earn $39,360, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $127,100 — a $87,740 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 $73,384.

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

Psychologist Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level psychologist earns around $42,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,900 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,640
$-9,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,160
$-15,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,900
$-26,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $39,360
25th Percentile $52,480
Median (50th) $69,971
75th Percentile $94,300
90th Percentile $127,100

Psychologist Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for psychologists 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 Psychologist in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

PsychotherapyPsychological AssessmentCBT/DBTResearch MethodsClinical DocumentationEthics

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, psychologist 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: Psychologist Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Psychologist make in Arkansas? ▼
The median psychologist salary in Arkansas is $69,971 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $39,360 (10th percentile) to $127,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychologist make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,971, a psychologist in Arkansas earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for psychologists? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for psychologist pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level psychologists earn $42,640, while senior professionals earn $118,900.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for psychologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for psychologists is Hawaii at $151,887. Arkansas's median of $69,971 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($74,237) and Oklahoma ($71,677).
What is the entry-level psychologist salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level psychologist in Arkansas earns approximately $42,640 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $72,160. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $118,900.
What city in Arkansas pays psychologists the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for psychologists, with a median salary of $73,384. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.