Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Arkansas: $61,441 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Arkansas's 21 metropolitan areas, the average median licensed practical nurse pay sits at $61,441/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2061. Because Arkansas sits at BEA RPP 86.9 (13% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $70,703 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Rogers ($62,984), Springdale ($62,939), Fayetteville ($61,970).
In 2026, the average median salary for licensed practical nurses in Arkansas is projected to be $61,441, which is approximately 9.7% lower than the national median of $68,071. The disparity in salaries across cities is significant, with Rogers offering the highest average at $66,574, while Jonesboro has the lowest at $53,886, creating a salary gap of $12,688. This difference is influenced by factors such as the cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and the local economy. Arkansas has specific licensing requirements for practical nurses, including passing the NCLEX-PN exam and completing an accredited practical nursing program. The state's scope of practice laws dictate the extent of responsibilities that LPNs can take on, which can affect job opportunities and salary potential. With a total of 5,871 licensed practical nurses employed in the state, the job market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.70%. This growth is driven by an increasing demand for healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved areas, where the need for qualified nursing staff is higher. For those considering a career as an LPN in Arkansas, understanding these factors can provide valuable insights into the prospects and earning potential within the state.
Arkansas Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Range
Overall salary range in Arkansas: $42,703 (lowest entry-level) to $85,985 (highest top earner)
Arkansas vs National Average
Arkansas licensed practical nurses earn 9.74% less than the national median ($-6,630/year difference).
Arkansas Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Distribution (2026)
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Arkansas range from $49,200 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $70,940 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $61,441. The Arkansas median is $6,630 below the US national median of $68,071. The average hourly rate is $29.54/hr. Approximately 5,871 licensed practical nurses are employed across 21 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,412
2025 BLS Actual
$58,128
2026 Current Est.
$61,441
2019–2027 Growth
+53.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Arkansas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,412 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,519 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,594 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,292 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,661 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,937 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,128 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,441 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,944 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arkansas metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 37.1% from $42,412 (2019) to $58,128 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,944 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,532 (53.13%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arkansas metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Arkansas
Lowest Paying Cities in Arkansas
Best Value Cities for Licensed Practical Nurses in Arkansas
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Arkansas cities offer the most purchasing power for licensed practical nurses.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogers | $66,574 | 86.9 | $76,610 |
| Springdale | $66,527 | 86.9 | $76,556 |
| Fayetteville | $65,502 | 91.353 | $71,702 |
| North Little Rock | $61,693 | 86.9 | $70,993 |
| Conway | $61,287 | 86.9 | $70,526 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $49,200 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $61,441 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $70,940 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Arkansas metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 21 Cities in Arkansas
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rogers | $66,574 |
| 2 | Springdale | $66,527 |
| 3 | Fayetteville | $65,502 |
| 4 | Little Rock | $62,617 |
| 5 | North Little Rock | $61,693 |
| 6 | Conway | $61,287 |
| 7 | Texarkana | $60,133 |
| 8 | Hot Springs | $59,319 |
| 9 | Fort Smith | $59,065 |
| 10 | Jacksonville | $58,891 |
| 11 | Bentonville | $58,601 |
| 12 | Benton | $58,113 |
| 13 | Paragould | $57,947 |
| 14 | Pine Bluff | $57,900 |
| 15 | Sherwood | $57,634 |
| 16 | Russellville | $57,330 |
| 17 | Cabot | $57,072 |
| 18 | Searcy | $56,476 |
| 19 | Bryant | $56,052 |
| 20 | Van Buren | $55,061 |
| 21 | Jonesboro | $53,886 |
More Arkansas Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore licensed practical nurse hourly pay in Arkansas cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced licensed practical nurses.
Explore More Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Arkansas in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for licensed practical nurses in Arkansas?
How does Arkansas licensed practical nurse pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level licensed practical nurse salary in Arkansas?
How many licensed practical nurses are employed in Arkansas?
Which Arkansas city offers the best value for licensed practical nurses?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 licensed practical nurse compensation across Arkansas. State averages are employment-weighted across 21 metro areas — larger metro areas with more licensed practical nursescontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov