Technology Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Systems Administrator Salary in Arkansas

The median systems administrator salary in Arkansas is $66,152 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $84,810.

Median Salary
$66,152
vs National
$-18,658
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Systems Administrator Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for systems administrator compensation. Systems Administrator salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $66,152 per year, systems administrators in Arkansas earn $18,658 less than the national median of $84,810.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $66,152 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $78,752 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: systems administrators at the 10th percentile earn $40,560, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $102,960 — a $62,400 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 $69,544.

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

Systems Administrator Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $42,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,500 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,900
$-12,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,080
$-18,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,500
$-27,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $40,560
25th Percentile $52,260
Median (50th) $66,152
75th Percentile $84,240
90th Percentile $102,960

Systems Administrator Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for systems administrators 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 Systems Administrator in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

LinuxWindows ServerActive DirectoryNetworkingVirtualizationScripting

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, systems administrator 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: Systems Administrator Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Arkansas? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Arkansas is $66,152 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $40,560 (10th percentile) to $102,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,152, a systems administrator in Arkansas earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for systems administrators? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for systems administrator pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level systems administrators earn $42,900, while senior professionals earn $97,500.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for systems administrator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for systems administrators is Hawaii at $139,937. Arkansas's median of $66,152 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($69,544) and Oklahoma ($69,544).
What is the entry-level systems administrator salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level systems administrator in Arkansas earns approximately $42,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $67,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $97,500.
What city in Arkansas pays systems administrators the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for systems administrators, with a median salary of $69,544. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.