Human resources professionals in a variety of positions can expect bright futures and great paying positions in Arkansas. In fact, human resources specialists in Arkansas landed a spot on the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services’ “Hot 45 Demand Occupations” for 2019-2020.
Much of the strength of the human resources field here can be contributed to the outstanding economy in Northwest Arkansas. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro has grown nearly 600% in the last six decades. As of 2019, this area’s economy has continued to outpace the nation, landing in second place (just behind Provo-Orem, UT) for the growth of its economy.
Whether you’re looking to break into the HR profession or advance in your current career in human resources, Arkansas is rich in opportunities for turning your aspirations into reality.
Human Resources Management Salaries
Professional opportunities in human resources management are plentiful in Arkansas, with double-digit job growth in many professions projected through 2026. For example, the number of HR managers is projected to increase by 14.4 percent between 2016 and 2026, while the number of training managers here is expected to grow by 16.1 percent during this time.
While average salaries for human resources professionals in executive, managerial, and supervisory positions tend to fall below national averages, this can often be attributed to the lower cost of living in Arkansas.
The following tables provide a closer look at HR management professionals at all earning levels in the Little Rock and Fort Smith metro areas:
Little Rock
Among human resources management professionals in Arkansas’ largest metro areas of Little Rock and Fort Smith, training and development managers in Little Rock are the top earners, with a median salary of $81,540, followed closely by compensation and benefits managers, at $81,330.
Fort Smith
Human resources managers in Fort Smith earn less than their counterparts in Little Rock at the median level. For example, these HR professionals earn $81,540 in Little Rock, while in Fort Smith, the median salary is just $76,050.
Human Resources Specialist and Assistant Salaries
Similar to HR management professionals in Arkansas, the number of many specialist and assistant positions in human resources here is projected to rise dramatically (often outpacing the national projected increase) between 2016 and 2026. For example, the number of training and development specialists in Arkansas is projected to increase by 16.5 percent during this time.
The following tables provide detailed salaries for HR specialists and assistants in Arkansas’ largest metro areas of Little Rock and Fort Smith:
Little Rock
Most HR specialists and assistants in Arkansas earn median salaries in the upper $30,000s to lower $40,000s, with the exception of labor relation specialists and human resources specialists in Little Rock, who earn $52,140 and $50,630, respectively.
Fort Smith
The top earners among Fort Smith’s HR specialists and assistants are compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists, who earn a median salary of $48,770. Among all specialists positions here, the top 10% in Forth Smith all enjoy average salaries in the mid-$70,000s.
Salary and employment data compiled by the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics in May of 2018 for human resources managers, specialists, and assistants – https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ar.htm#11-9111. The BLS salary data shown here represents median – 90th percentile salary ranges for the state and its MSAs (Metropolitan Statistical Areas) and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries.
Job growth projections sourced from the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services and published in the U.S. Department of Labor-funded Long Term Occupational Projections (2016-2026) database – https://projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
All salary and job growth data accessed in October 2019.