Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in Arkansas
Human Resources Specialists in Arkansas earn an average annual salary of $61,630, which is notably below the national average of $79,090. This disparity is often influenced by the state's overall economic landscape and the specific demand for HR expertise within its industries. Factors such as the cost of living and the concentration of relevant businesses play a significant role in shaping compensation levels for these vital roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,910.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,660 Human Resources Specialists, Arkansas presents a moderate employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of nearly 4.4 jobs per 1,000 workers signifies consistent opportunities for skilled HR professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Human Resources Specialists in Arkansas earns-22.1%below the national average.
$29.6
$1,185
$5,136
Human Resources Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Arkansas HR Specialist salaries over the past four years isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, evolving HR practices, and increased demand for specialized HR functions likely contributed to salary increases, albeit potentially at a different pace than in higher-cost or more concentrated metropolitan areas.
Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in Arkansas
The career trajectory for Human Resources Specialists in Arkansas typically involves significant salary growth with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in areas like compensation, benefits, or employee relations can command substantially higher salaries. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level pay reflects the increasing value and responsibility associated with advanced HR roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $35,510 | $17.1 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $46,223 | $22.2 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $52,890 | $25.4 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $77,038 | $37 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $99,910 | $48 |
Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,250
Adjusted for COL (90.3)
The average annual salary of $61,630 in Arkansas is considerably enhanced by the state's lower Cost of Living Index of 90.3. This means that the purchasing power of an HR Specialist's salary in Arkansas is greater than the national average, making the nominal salary figure more substantial in real terms. Consequently, the effective standard of living for HR professionals can be quite favorable compared to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
5,660
Total Jobs
4.395
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Arkansas has 0.74x the national average concentration of Human Resources Specialists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.74 for Human Resources Specialists in Arkansas indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while HR roles are present and necessary, the market may not be as intensely competitive as in states with a higher concentration of HR professionals. This could translate to a more accessible job market for qualified candidates seeking employment in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Human Resources Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Human Resources Specialists Salary | $62,310↑ 1% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Human Resources Specialists Salary | $55,830↓ 9% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near Arkansas
Hiring Human Resources Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Arkansas is $61,630. This typically ranges from $35,510 for entry-level positions to $99,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Arkansas is 22.1% lower than the national median of $79,090.
Is Arkansas a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?
No, but cost-effective.While the average salary of $61,630 is below the national average, the significantly lower cost of living in Arkansas (90.3 index) makes the earnings more valuable in terms of purchasing power.
Is Arkansas a good place to live for Human Resources Specialists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.3 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Arkansas?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($62,310) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the Arkansas HR Specialist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Human Resources Specialists in Arkansas is $61,630, which is approximately $17,460 less than the national average of $79,090.
What is the concentration of HR Specialists in Arkansas compared to the rest of the US?
Arkansas has a Location Quotient of 0.74 for HR Specialists, meaning the profession is slightly less concentrated in the state than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Arkansas affect the value of an HR Specialist's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.3, Arkansas is more affordable than the national average (100). This means the $61,630 salary offers greater purchasing power for residents.
What is the total number of HR Specialists employed in Arkansas?
There are approximately 5,660 Human Resources Specialists employed within the state of Arkansas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,660 employees in the Arkansas area with a job density of 4.395 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Human Resources Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Arkansas