Lawyers in Arkansas. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
The median wage for Lawyers in Arkansas was $86,970 in 2024, about 42% below the US median of $149,496. That gap is one of the larger state-level differences we track for this occupation.
The mean wage tells a different story: $134,860, which is $47,890 above the median. A smaller group of high earners pulls the average up sharply. The spread from bottom to top makes this clearer. Lawyers at the 10th percentile earned $38,650. Those at the 90th earned $209,390, more than five times as much. Few occupations show a range that wide within a single state.
Arkansas has a cost-of-living index of 88.3, meaning everyday expenses run about 12% below the national baseline. After adjusting for that, the median wage of $86,970 buys roughly what $98,500 would in an average-cost state. The headline gap with the national median narrows, though it does not close. High-earning Arkansas lawyers at the 90th percentile, when adjusted the same way, reach the equivalent of about $237,000 in national-baseline dollars, which is competitive with top earners in many higher-cost states.
BLS projects employment for Lawyers to grow 4.2% between 2024 and 2034, which it classifies as average. The occupation is not shrinking, but it is not expanding at a pace that would push wages up on its own.
Salary distribution
Where Arkansas lawyers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $69,470 and $132,490, with a median of $98,880.
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Lawyers 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.
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
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.7 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
- 4.6 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.6 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.5 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
- 02
Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
- 03
Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
- 04
Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- 05
Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
- 06
Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
- 07
Work in environmental law, representing public interest groups, waste disposal companies, or construction firms in their dealings with state and federal agencies.
- 08
Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+4.2%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Lawyers in Arkansas?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Lawyers in Arkansas is $98,880.
- How does Arkansas compare to the national median for Lawyers?
- The Arkansas median is -37.9% versus the BLS national figure of $159,328.
- What is the salary range for Lawyers in Arkansas?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $49,900 and the 90th-percentile at $220,660, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Lawyers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 4.2% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Lawyers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional 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.