Upon being licensed as a registered nurse, a nurse can pursue a master’s degree or a doctorate to become a nurse practitioner. In addition to having specialized training, nurse practitioners also have advanced education in clinical practice.
The advanced education and training of nurse practitioners makes them qualified to provide comprehensive health assessments, diagnose diseases, and treat illnesses. Furthermore, they can order lab tests, conduct procedures, and prescribe medications.
If you are a nursing student, a registered nurse contemplating becoming a nurse practitioner, or a nurse practitioner who has already made this level of advancement, you may be wondering how much a nurse practitioner makes.
There are a number of factors that influence nurse practitioners’ salaries. Where they work is one of the most important factors.
The purpose of this article is to examine the salaries of nurse practitioners in Arkansas. In addition to looking at nurse practitioner salaries by cities within Arkansas, we will also examine salaries based on experience and how nurse practitioner salaries compare to other professions.
Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Starting Salary
Nurse practitioners in Arkansas earn an entry-level salary of $86,780 per year. That breaks down to $7,230 a month or $41.72 an hour. As a nurse practitioner, entry-level typically refers to the first year of practice.
Depending on the state, nurse practitioners earn a wide range of starting salaries. Additionally, salaries vary within each state from city to city. It is important to consider the cost of living and the size of the city. Later in this article, we will examine nurse practitioner salaries by city in more detail.
Starting nurse practitioner salaries in Arkansas are largely determined by the cost of living. The cost of living in Arkansas is considerably lower than in the rest of the country. As a nurse practitioner, your income can go farther than if you live and work in a state with a high cost of living.
Your specialty as a nurse practitioner and the practice setting in which you will be working will also influence your starting salary.
| Hourly | $41.72 |
| Monthly | $7,230 |
| Yearly | $86,780 |
Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Average Salary
Just like any other job or career, a nurse practitioner’s salary in Arkansas depends on a variety of factors. Nurse practitioners’ salaries are also affected by factors such as location, specialty, and type of practice, as well as years of experience, shift differentials, degrees, and certifications.
In Arkansas, a nurse practitioner makes around $109,150 per year based on the average salary. Based on that, that equates to $9,100 per month and $52.48 per hour.
| Hourly | $52.48 |
| Monthly | $9,100 |
| Yearly | $109,150 |
Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Years of Experience Salary
The ability to make a higher salary is generally related to experience. It is expected that nurse practitioners will earn more money over the course of their careers.
A nurse practitioner’s salary is heavily influenced by their experience level. Over time, a nurse practitioner gains practical skills that increase efficiency and clinical judgment.
As a result, the nurse practitioner’s worth increases, which in turn increases their salary. In determining nurse practitioner salaries, experience is one of the most important factors to consider.
In Arkansas, entry-level nurse practitioners earn an average of $86,780 per year, or $41.72 per hour. Within five to six years of becoming a nurse practitioner, you will be earning an average of $107,170 a year. In just a few short years, that’s a $20,390 pay increase.
Nurse practitioners with ten years of experience make an average salary of $123,560 at the mid-level experience level. This equates to $10,300 per month and $59.40 per hour.
The average nurse practitioner with more than twenty years’ experience makes $136,000 a year. This is the equivalent of $11,380 per month, or $65.66 an hour.
| # of Years of Experience | Hourly | Monthly | Yearly |
| Less Than 1 | $41.72 | $7,230 | $86,780 |
| 1-4 | $45.50 | $7,890 | $94,630 |
| 5-9 | $51.52 | $8,930 | $107,170 |
| 10-19 | $59.40 | $10,300 | $123,560 |
| 20+ | $65.66 | $11,380 | $136,570 |
Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Practice Setting Salary
Practice setting is another factor that affects nurse practitioner salaries. The reason for this difference can be attributed to a variety of reasons, including shift work versus a traditional schedule and the risk associated with different practice settings.
The work at hospitals, for example, is typically more risky and offers fewer preferred schedules (holidays, weekends, nights, etc.). This means that nurse practitioners earn a higher salary since such jobs are typically riskier and harder to fill.
Generally, nurse practitioners make $112,680 per year working in hospitals in Arkansas. The lower end of the pay scale, however, pays about $103,000 per year for nurse practitioners in a low-risk area with more appealing hours.
It is important for individuals to consider their own goals and circumstances when weighing all of these factors. A higher salary might be worth it to some individuals who don’t mind working weekends and holidays.
On the other hand, some people prefer not to work weekends or holidays because it does not fit their family and circumstances, so they are willing to accept a lower salary for this reason. Many options are available to accommodate different goals and situations, which is good news.
| Practice Setting Type | Hourly | Yearly |
| Outpatient Facilities | $56.76 | $118,050 |
| Hospitals | $54.18 | $112,680 |
| Other Healthcare Provider Offices | $51.35 | $106,800 |
| Doctor’s Offices | $51.01 | $106,100 |
| Colleges and Universities | $49.52 | $103,000 |
Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Speciality Salary
Adult Gerontology-Acute Care
- Adult gerontology-acute care nurse practitioners are highly trained and skilled at identifying and treating severe acute illnesses among older adults
- Provide health care services in hospitals, urgent care centers, and skilled nursing facilities
- The average Arkansas adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner makes $109,960 per year or $52.87 an hour
| Hourly | $52.87 |
| Yearly | $109,960 |
Adult Gerontology-Primary Care
- Adult gerontology-primary care nurse practitioners are similar to family nurse practitioners in some ways
- Provide health care services to patients over 18
- Provide home health care, work in doctors’ offices, and provide outpatient care
- The average Arkansas adult gerontology-primary care nurse practitioner makes $103,980 per year or $49.99 an hour
| Hourly | $49.99 |
| Yearly | $103,980 |
Dermatology
- Dermatology nurse practitioners hold certifications from the Dermatology Nursing Certification Board after passing examinations and obtaining qualifying qualifications
- Support skin cancer treatment and cosmetic treatments in surgical settings, dermatology offices, and offices specializing in cosmetic treatments
- The average Arkansas dermatology nurse practitioner makes $108,450 per year or $52.14 an hour
| Hourly | $52.14 |
| Yearly | $108,450 |
Family
- Family nurse practitioners are experts in identifying and managing a wide range of health conditions both in childhood and in later life
- Provide health care services in clinics and hospitals
- The average Arkansas family nurse practitioner makes $107,870 per year or $51.86 an hour
| Hourly | $51.86 |
| Yearly | $107,870 |
Neonatal
- Neonatal nurse practitioners work in hospitals in neonatal intensive care units with high-risk babies
- Collaborate closely with the neonatologist
- The average Arkansas neonatal nurse practitioner makes $115,790 per year or $55.67 an hour
| Hourly | $55.67 |
| Yearly | $115,790 |
Pediatric-Acute Care
- Pediatric-acute care nurse practitioners understand how to identify and treat a wide range of severe acute illnesses among children and adolescents
- Provide health care services in hospitals, urgent care centers, and skilled nursing facilities
- The average Arkansas pediatric-acute care nurse practitioner makes $112,840 per year or $54.25 an hour
| Hourly | $54.25 |
| Yearly | $112,840 |
Pediatric-Primary Care
- Pediatric-primary care nurse practitioners are similar to family nurse practitioners in some ways
- Provide health care services to patients under the age of 18
- Provide pediatric care at urgent care clinics, schools, and pediatric offices
- The average Arkansas pediatric-primary care nurse practitioner makes $104,480 per year or $50.23 an hour
| Hourly | $50.23 |
| Yearly | $104,480 |
Psychiatric-Mental Health
- Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners are well trained and highly experienced in diagnosing and treating patients suffering from mental health conditions or substance abuse problems
- Provide health care services in outpatient centers, inpatient hospitals, drug rehabilitation facilities, residential facilities, and physician’s offices
- The average Arkansas psychiatric nurse practitioner makes $113,600 per year or $54.62 an hour
| Hourly | $54.62 |
| Yearly | $113,600 |
Women’s Health
- Women’s health nurse practitioners provide comprehensive healthcare to women throughout their lives
- Provide health care services in hospitals, prenatal clinics, private practices, OB/GYN offices, women’s correctional facilities, and local clinics
- The average Arkansas women’s health nurse practitioner makes $104,480 per year or $50.23 an hour
| Hourly | $50.23 |
| Yearly | $104,480 |
Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Salary By City
When talking about real estate, the phrase “location, location, location” is often used. The same can be said about a nurse practitioner’s salary. In fact, it is estimated that the income of nurse practitioners in Arkansas is heavily influenced by their location.
When looking at different areas, you should keep in mind what type of area you’re seeking. If you’re considering a metropolitan area, a small town, a suburb, or something more rural, there are several options.
Moreover, the pay for each location varies according to the supply and demand of nurse practitioners in the area. There is generally higher pay and more competitive benefits and compensation for nurse practitioners in areas that have a greater need for them. Keeping these points in mind when choosing an area can be helpful.
The following is a breakdown of some of the major cities in Arkansas and their average salary.
Little Rock
- Population of 202,591 in 2020
- Capital of Arkansas and most populous city in the state
- Home to the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and the Arkansas Repertory Theatre
- Home to Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock, CHI St. Vincent Infirmary, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- The average nurse practitioner in Little Rock, Arkansas makes $111,870 per year or $53.78 an hour
| Hourly | $53.78 |
| Yearly | $111,870 |
Fayetteville
- Population of 95,230 in 2021
- Home to the University of Arkansas
- Home to Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital, Washington Regional Medical Center, and VA Medical Center – Fayetteville
- The average nurse practitioner in Fayetteville, Arkansas makes $111,460 per year or $53.59 an hour
| Hourly | $53.59 |
| Yearly | $111,460 |
Fort Smith
- Population of 89,142 in 2020
- Located at the junction of the Arkansas and Poteau rivers, also known as Belle Point, on the Arkansas-Oklahoma state border
- Home to Mercy Hospital Fort Smith, Select Speciality Hospital – Fort Smith, and Baptist Health – Fort Smith
- The average nurse practitioner in Fort Smith makes $105,380 per year or $50.66 an hour
| Hourly | $50.66 |
| Yearly | $105,380 |
Springdale
- Population of 84,161 in 2020
- Fourth largest city in Arkansas
- Located in the Ozark Mountains on the Springfield Plateau
- Home to Northwest Medical Center – Springdale, Regency Springdale, and Arkansas Children’s Northwest Hospital
- The average nurse practitioner in Grand Rapids makes $107,140 a year or $51.51 an hour
| Hourly | $51.51 |
| Yearly | $107,140 |
Jonesboro
- Population of 78,576 in 2020
- Fifth largest city in Arkansas
- Home to Arkansas State University
- Home to St. Bernards Medical Center, NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, and Arkansas Continued Care Hospital
- The average nurse practitioner in Lansing makes $109,990 a year or $52.88 an hour
| Hourly | $52.88 |
| Yearly | $109,990 |
Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Compensation and Benefits
There is no doubt that pay plays a significant role when it comes to choosing a career path and where to work. It is likely that benefits will also play an important role in influencing the decision.
What impact will the benefits have on the decision? Nurse practitioners can negotiate benefits and compensation in addition to their salaries.
An employee’s benefits are a form of non-salary compensation. The U.S Department of Labor reports that employee benefits account for approximately 30 percent of the total compensation that an employee receives.
Legally required benefits in Arkansas include social security, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance. Health insurance, vacation time, and paid holidays are also included in benefits packages generally.
The average nurse practitioner in Arkansas earns $109,150 per year, plus $46,000 to 66,000 in benefits and compensation. In this case, the range varies by whether the nurse practitioner works for a government agency or the private sector.
| Benefit/Compensation | Private Sector | Federal, State, and Local Government |
| Paid Time Off | $11,500 | $13,261 |
| Compensatory Pay | $5,439 | $1,745 |
| Insurance (Health, Dental, Vision, Life) | $12,122 | $20,415 |
| Retirement and Pension | $5,284 | $21,637 |
| Required By Law | $11,811 | $9,597 |
| Total Benefits | $46,155 | $66,481 |
| Average Yearly Salary | $109,250 | $108,010 |
| Total Compensation | $155,405 | $174,491 |
Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Salary Compared To Other Nursing Careers
A nurse practitioner education can be a valuable investment for Arkansas registered nurses. The average salary of a nurse practitioner in Arkansas is almost 50 percent higher than that of a registered nurse.
It is common for nursing professions to earn a wide variety of salaries. A certified nursing assistant (CNA) earns $32,030 per year at the lower end of the salary scale. Among nursing professionals, nurse anesthetists earn the highest salaries.
Nurse anesthetists in Arkansas make an average of almost $200,000 per year. That’s almost double the salary of a nurse practitioner, which is $109,150 per year.
Considering the amount of work and time they put into completing their schooling, we can see that they are being paid considerably more.
| Occupation | Average Yearly Salary |
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $199,870 |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $109,150 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) | $103,870 |
| Nursing School Professor | $83,020 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $73,980 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | $52,220 |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $32,030 |
Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Salary Compared To Other Healthcare Careers
Physician assistants and nurse practitioners in Arkansas earn similar salaries, with the difference between the two professions being only 2%. Chiropractors in Arkansas earn an average salary of $69,190 per year, which is among the lowest salaries in the healthcare profession.
On the other end of the pay scale, dentists make an average of $213,250 annually. In Arkansas, nurse practitioners earn an average of $109,150 per year, which is right in the middle for healthcare professionals.
| Occupation | Average Yearly Salary |
| Dentist | $213,250 |
| Podiatrist | $160,730 |
| Optometrist | $131,320 |
| Pharmacist | $119,820 |
| Physician’s Assistant | $111,050 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $109,150 |
| Veterinarian | $105,100 |
| Physical Therapist (PT) | $87,610 |
| Audiologist | $81,210 |
| Speech Therapist | $79,310 |
| Occupational Therapist (OT) | $77,600 |
| Chiropractor | $69,190 |
Number of Nurse Practitioners in Arkansas
Currently, Arkansas is home to about 2,370 nurse practitioners.
Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Salary Compared Nationwide
In Arkansas, the average nurse practitioner earns $109,150 annually. It is estimated that nurse practitioners in the United States earn an average salary of $114,510 annually. The average nurse practitioner salary in Arkansas is $5,360 (about 5%) less than the national average.
Top Five Paid Arkansas Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners who specialize in neonatal care earn the highest salaries in Arkansas. Neonatal nurse practitioners earn an average salary of $115,970 in Arkansas. At the bottom of the top five list are dermatology nurse practitioners, earning $108,450 per year.
| Rank | Nurse Practitioner Specialty | Yearly |
| 1 | Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $115,790 |
| 2 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | $113,600 |
| 3 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $112,840 |
| 4 | Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $109,960 |
| 5 | Dermatology Nurse Practitioner | $108,450 |
Where the Majority of Nurse Practitioners in Arkansas Work
There are many different settings in which a nurse practitioner can practice. The majority of nurse practitioners in Arkansas work in doctor’s offices, 1,310 of them. 643 nurse practitioners work in hospitals, which is the next highest setting for nurse practitioners in Arkansas.
Outpatient centers employ over 200 nurse practitioners. There are fewer than 200 health professionals who work in universities, colleges, and other offices in Arkansas.
| Practice Setting Type | # of Nurse Practitioners |
| Doctor’s Offices | 1,310 |
| Hospitals | 643 |
| Outpatient Facilities | 247 |
| Colleges and Universities | 91 |
| Other Healthcare Provider Offices | 79 |
Annual Job Openings for Nurse Practitioners in Arkansas
There are almost 200 replacement job openings in addition to over 50 new job openings. There are many new nurse practitioner job openings in Arkansas every year.
Increasing retirement rates, healthcare advances, and an aging population all contribute to the need for more nurse practitioners each year in the state of Arkansas.
Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Future
Nurse practitioners have a very promising job outlook in Arkansas. The salary potential for nurse practitioners in Arkansas is expected to increase by 11% over five years. The estimated salary for nurse practitioners in Arkansas is projected to be $121,916 by the year 2027.
In Arkansas, the state predicts that more physician assistants, nurse practitioners and physicians will be needed, especially in rural areas. To meet this need, nurse practitioners can make a significant contribution.
Nurse practitioners in Arkansas are expected to earn competitive salaries due to this supply and demand issue.
Conclusion
As we can see, looking at a nurse practitioner’s salary depends on many factors. It varies widely between different practice settings, specializations, and where in the state the nurse practitioner is practicing.
These are important to keep in mind when comparing nurse practitioner salaries between different states. A number of factors must be taken into consideration when choosing a place for a nurse practitioner to work.
A nurse practitioner may want to consider making Arkansas their home as this beautiful state offers many opportunities. It offers a fairly competitive salary that is comparable with the rest of the country, as well as enticing benefits and compensation.
If you’re considering where to practice as a nurse practitioner, Arkansas might be a worthwhile addition to your list.
Sources (July 2022):
State of Arkansas
Arkansas: Things to Do
Arkansas – History and Statistics
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Healthgrades
Careeronestop
U.S. Department of Labor
Written by Joanne PotterJoanne, BSN and RN, is a writer that specializes in health and wellness. She has fifteen years of experience as a Registered Nurse in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). Her years working at the bedside and extensive neonatal knowledge enable her to write with a deep understanding of what patients and families want from their communities. Visit her LinkedIn page.
