Registered nurse salary in Arkansas
The median registered nurse in Arkansas earned $78,940 a year in 2025, $18,610 (19%) below the $97,550 national median. That ranks 47th of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $78,940
- Average yearly pay
- $81,520
- Employed in Arkansas
- 29,400
How Arkansas compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in Arkansas
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $78,940 | 29,400 |
| LPN or LVN | $56,620 | 10,010 |
| Nurse practitioner | $125,660 | 3,970 |
A nurse practitioner in Arkansas earns a median $46,720 more than a registered nurse ($125,660 against $78,940). A registered nurse earns a median $22,320 more than an LPN or LVN here ($78,940 against $56,620).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in Arkansas?
The median is $78,940 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in Arkansas earn more and half earn less.
Is Arkansas a high-paying state for registered nurses?
Arkansas ranks 47th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so Arkansas pays 19% below it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in Arkansas?
BLS counted 29,400 registered nurses employed in Arkansas in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In Arkansas the average is $81,520, $2,580 above the median.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.