What the numbers say
The median wage for Human Resources Specialists in Arkansas was $52,890 in 2024, about 26% below the US median of $71,137. That is a meaningful gap, though Arkansas's cost of living runs well below the national average.
The state's cost-of-living index sits at 88.3, meaning a dollar goes roughly 13% further here than in a typical US market. After adjusting for that, the real purchasing power of the Arkansas median is closer to $59,900 in national-baseline terms. The gap narrows, but it does not close.
The spread within Arkansas is wide. The lowest-paid 10% of HR Specialists earned around $35,510 in 2024, while the top 10% reached $99,910. Top earners make roughly 2.8 times what those at the bottom do. That range reflects genuine variation in seniority and the type of employer, not just geography. A benefits coordinator at a regional retailer and an HR business partner at a larger company may both carry the same job title.
The mean wage of $61,630 runs above the median of $52,890, which tells us a smaller group of higher-paid specialists pulls the average up. Most workers in this role in Arkansas earn somewhere between $43,100 and $72,850.
BLS projects employment for HR Specialists to grow 6.2% nationally between 2024 and 2034, an outlook BLS classifies as faster than average. Arkansas's 5,660 employed specialists in this role give the state a modest but active labor market for the occupation.
Salary distribution
Where Arkansas human resources specialists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $43,100 and $72,850, with a median of $52,890.
Human Resources Specialists 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.
Human Resources Specialists in Arkansas, by industry
Median offered wage across 2 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Manufacturing leads with a median of $78,950.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Danfoss Power Solutions II, LLC | 1 | $78,950 |
| Technology and software | AMS IT SOLUTIONS LLC. | 1 | $62,400 |
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 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Administrative
Knowledge
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Interpret and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations.
- 02
Hire employees and process hiring-related paperwork.
- 03
Administer employee benefit plans.
- 04
Maintain current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- 05
Schedule or administer skill, intelligence, psychological, or drug tests for current or prospective employees.
- 06
Prepare or maintain employment records related to events, such as hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, or promotions, using human resources management system software.
- 07
Address employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns.
- 08
Conduct reference or background checks on job applicants.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+6.2%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Human Resources Specialists in Arkansas?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in Arkansas is $52,890.
- How does Arkansas compare to the national median for Human Resources Specialists?
- The Arkansas median is -25.7% versus the BLS national figure of $71,137.
- What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in Arkansas?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $35,510 and the 90th-percentile at $99,910, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Human Resources Specialists a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 6.2% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Human Resources Specialists?
- 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.