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Average Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary in Arkansas

Agricultural Equipment Operators in Arkansas earn an average annual salary of $34,530, which is notably below the national average of $43,570. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demands of the agricultural sector within the state, and the overall cost of doing business.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,530 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.5% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,110.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 670 individuals, the market for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Arkansas presents a concentrated but stable employment landscape. The robust Location Quotient of 2.58 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles in Arkansas compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent demand for skilled operators within the state's agricultural industry.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,530

The average Agricultural Equipment Operators in Arkansas earns-20.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.6

Weekly

$664

Monthly

$2,878

Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Arkansas

Career progression for Agricultural Equipment Operators typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay spectrum, while seasoned operators with expertise in advanced machinery or specific crop types can command higher salaries, reflected in the upper percentiles of earnings.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$28,170$13.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$25,898$12.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$30,380$14.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$43,163$20.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$45,110$21.7

Detailed Agricultural Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,530

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,239

Adjusted for COL (90.3)

The average annual salary of $34,530 in Arkansas for Agricultural Equipment Operators aligns with a Cost of Living Index of 90.3, which is below the national average of 100. This suggests that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the reduced cost of living may offer a comparable or even improved purchasing power for residents.

Job Market Context

670

Total Jobs

0.519

Per 1K Jobs

2.58

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Arkansas has 2.6x the national concentration of Agricultural Equipment Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 2.58 for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Arkansas signifies a substantial concentration of this profession within the state, more than double the national average. This high concentration points to a specialized and potentially competitive job market where employers actively seek individuals with relevant skills and experience.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Agricultural Equipment Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Agricultural Equipment Operators make in Arkansas?

The median annual salary for a Agricultural Equipment Operators in Arkansas is $34,530. This typically ranges from $28,170 for entry-level positions to $45,110 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Arkansas is 20.7% lower than the national median of $43,570.

Is Arkansas a lucrative place for Agricultural Equipment Operators?

No, not in terms of nominal salary.Agricultural Equipment Operators in Arkansas earn significantly less than the national average. However, the lower cost of living may offset some of this difference in purchasing power.

Is Arkansas a good place to live for Agricultural Equipment Operators?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.3 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

What is the average salary for an Agricultural Equipment Operator in Arkansas?

The average annual salary for an Agricultural Equipment Operator in Arkansas is $34,530.

How does the Arkansas salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Arkansas ($34,530) is lower than the national average ($43,570) for this role.

Is there high demand for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Arkansas?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 2.58 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in Arkansas compared to the national average, suggesting strong regional demand.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Arkansas?

Arkansas has a Cost of Living Index of 90.3, which is below the national average. This means the $34,530 salary may offer better purchasing power than it appears when compared to national figures.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 670 employees in the Arkansas area with a job density of 0.519 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Explore Agricultural Equipment Operators Salaries by State

Semantic Salary Analysis for Agricultural Equipment Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Arkansas