What the numbers say
The median Data Scientist in Arkansas earned $104,320 in 2024, about 9.8% below the US median of $115,636. The mean came in at $104,560, nearly identical to the median. That closeness means the upper end of the pay range isn't pulling the average up the way it does in many tech-heavy states.
The spread from bottom to top is wide. The 10th percentile sat at $57,830 and the 90th at $164,120. Top earners made roughly 2.8 times what the lowest-paid workers in the role did. That gap reflects real differences in experience, specialty, and the kinds of organizations hiring here. Arkansas has around 470 Data Scientists employed statewide, a small pool, so a handful of high-paying roles can shift the picture quickly.
Arkansas's cost of living runs about 11.7% below the national baseline. After adjusting for what the money actually buys, the $104,320 median is worth closer to $118,200 in national-dollar terms. On that basis, Arkansas Data Scientists come out slightly ahead of the national median, not behind it.
BLS projects the Data Scientist occupation to grow 33.5% between 2024 and 2034, which it classifies as much faster than average. That outlook applies at the national level. Arkansas's small employment base means local hiring could look lumpy year to year, but the underlying demand driving that national number affects employers here too.
Salary distribution
Where Arkansas data scientists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $97,510 and $136,060, with a median of $109,390.
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Data Scientists pay by experience level in Arkansas
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Data Scientists specialties in Arkansas
Real specialty titles employers file for, clustered from 424 certified offers. The most common variant is Senior Manager, Data Science at a median of $140,000.
| Specialty | Top employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Manager, Data Science | WAL-MART ASSOCIATES, INC. | 171 | $140,000 |
| Senior Data Scientist | WAL-MART ASSOCIATES, INC. | 108 | $135,685 |
| Senior Product Manager | WAL-MART ASSOCIATES, INC. | 47 | $138,587 |
| Senior Data Analyst | WAL-MART ASSOCIATES, INC. | 45 | $119,434 |
| Director, Data Science | WAL-MART ASSOCIATES, INC. | 23 | $195,000 |
| Data Engineer | WAL-MART ASSOCIATES, INC. | 14 | $102,125 |
| Analyst III, Technology Operations | WAL-MART ASSOCIATES, INC. | 6 | $107,781 |
| Business Analyst | ASWi, Inc. | 4 | $80,000 |
| Staff Applied Scientist | Cohesity, Inc. | 3 | $113,131 |
| Senior Technology Operations | WAL-MART ASSOCIATES, INC. | 3 | $122,400 |
Specialties with 10 or more filings link to a dedicated breakdown.
Data Scientists in Arkansas, by industry
Median offered wage across 563 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Retail and wholesale leads with a median of $140,000.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail and wholesale | WAL-MART ASSOCIATES, INC. | 456 | $140,000 |
| Technology and software | Tredence Inc. | 50 | $94,661 |
| Transportation and logistics | ArcBest II, Inc. | 15 | $115,470 |
| Professional services | KANTAR LLC | 13 | $125,000 |
| Manufacturing | Tyson Foods, Inc. | 10 | $118,475 |
| Education | University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | 9 | $70,200 |
| Finance and insurance | BANK OZK | 7 | $110,000 |
| Healthcare | AXPM Dental Management, LLC | 2 | $86,903 |
| Government and public sector | State of Arkansas - Administrative Office of the Courts | 1 | $81,786 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Arkansas over the past 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
Common tasks (O*NET)
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+33.5%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing much faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Data Scientists in Arkansas?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Data Scientists in Arkansas is $109,390.
- How does Arkansas compare to the national median for Data Scientists?
- The Arkansas median is -8.9% versus the BLS national figure of $120,042.
- What is the salary range for Data Scientists in Arkansas?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $67,090 and the 90th-percentile at $169,110, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Data Scientists a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 33.5% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Data Scientists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.