Healthcare Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Surgeon Salary in Arkansas

The median surgeon salary in Arkansas is $209,190 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $255,110.

Median Salary
$209,190
vs National
$-45,920
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Surgeon Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for surgeon compensation. Surgeon salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $209,190 per year, surgeons in Arkansas earn $45,920 less than the national median of $255,110.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $209,190 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $249,036 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: surgeons at the 10th percentile earn $98,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $344,400 — a $246,000 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 $219,395.

Nationally, surgeon employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for surgeons across the country.

Surgeon Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level surgeon earns around $106,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $328,000 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$106,600
$-23,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$213,200
$-46,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$328,000
$-72,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $98,400
25th Percentile $143,500
Median (50th) $209,190
75th Percentile $287,000
90th Percentile $344,400

Surgeon Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for surgeons 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 Surgeon in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

SurgeryAnatomyPatient CareDecision MakingDexterityLeadership

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, surgeon employment is projected to grow 3% 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: Surgeon Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Surgeon make in Arkansas? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Arkansas is $209,190 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $98,400 (10th percentile) to $344,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $209,190, a surgeon in Arkansas earns approximately $101 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for surgeons? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for surgeon pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level surgeons earn $106,600, while senior professionals earn $328,000.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for surgeon salary? ▼
The highest paying state for surgeons is Hawaii at $454,096. Arkansas's median of $209,190 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($221,946) and Oklahoma ($214,292).
What is the entry-level surgeon salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level surgeon in Arkansas earns approximately $106,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $213,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $328,000.
What city in Arkansas pays surgeons the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for surgeons, with a median salary of $219,395. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.