Lawyers in Arkansas earn an average annual salary of $134,860, which is notably lower than the national average of $194,940. This disparity is often influenced by a combination of factors including the state's economic landscape, the demand for legal services, and the overall cost of doing business within Arkansas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $134,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $209,390.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,500 legal professionals, Arkansas presents a moderate employment base for lawyers. The Location Quotient of 0.56 indicates that lawyers are less concentrated in Arkansas compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially less saturated market but also potentially lower overall demand relative to other professions.
Lawyers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for lawyers in Arkansas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing legal service costs and demand. Economic development and evolving legal needs within the state likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Lawyers Salary Distribution in Arkansas
Salary progression for lawyers in Arkansas typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start considerably lower than the average, while seasoned attorneys with specialized expertise and a strong track record can command salaries well above the $134,860 mark. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries reflects the value placed on accumulated knowledge and proven success in the legal field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $38,650 | $18.6 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $101,145 | $48.6 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $86,970 | $41.8 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $168,575 | $81 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $209,390 | $100.7 |
Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$134,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$149,347
Adjusted for COL (90.3)
The average lawyer salary of $134,860 in Arkansas is positioned favorably against the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.3. This means that the nominal income earned by lawyers in Arkansas has greater purchasing power locally than the national average salary would in a location with a Cost of Living Index of 100, making the effective income higher than the raw salary figure suggests.
Job Market Context
3,500
Total Jobs
2.718
Per 1K Jobs
0.56
Location Quotient
Arkansas has 0.56x the national average concentration of Lawyers 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 0.56 signifies that lawyers are less prevalent in Arkansas's workforce compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, it is not as densely populated as in other states, potentially offering unique opportunities for those entering or already practicing within the state's legal sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lawyers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Lawyers Salary | $136,230↑ 1% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Lawyers Salary | $120,330↓ 11% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near Arkansas
Hiring Lawyerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lawyers make in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Arkansas is $134,860. This typically ranges from $38,650 for entry-level positions to $209,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Arkansas is 30.8% lower than the national median of $194,940.
Is Arkansas a lucrative place for Lawyerss?
No, but cost-effective.While the average salary of $134,860 is below the national average, the lower cost of living in Arkansas makes this salary more impactful locally. Lawyers may find better value for their earnings compared to higher-paying states with a significantly higher cost of living.
Is Arkansas a good place to live for Lawyers?
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 ($136,230) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the Arkansas lawyer salary compare to the national average?
Lawyers in Arkansas earn an average of $134,860 annually, which is approximately $60,000 less than the national average salary of $194,940.
What is the concentration of lawyers in Arkansas?
The Location Quotient for lawyers in Arkansas is 0.56, indicating that the profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average.
How many lawyers are there in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 3,500 lawyers, representing 2.718 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state's total workforce.
Is the cost of living in Arkansas high for lawyers?
No, Arkansas has a Cost of Living Index of 90.3, which is below the national average of 100, making it more affordable than many other states.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,500 employees in the Arkansas area with a job density of 2.718 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Lawyers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Arkansas