2026 Salary — Arkansas
Updated April 29, 2026
HR Manager Salary in Arkansas: $111K Median
HR Managers in Arkansas earn between $66K and $170K per year.
That's -15% below the US national median.
Quick Answer
As of April 2026, the median HR Manager salary in Arkansas is $110,500 per year — -15% below the US national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $66,300 (entry, 25th percentile) to $170,000 (90th percentile). Arkansas's cost-of-living index is 87. State income tax applies.
Median
$110,500
+370.0% YoY
Entry
$63,750
Experienced
$140,250
Top 10%
$170,000
About HR Managers in Arkansas
HR managers oversee recruiting, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and HR strategy aligned to business goals.
Hot 2026 Skills
HR analyticsWorkdayDEI strategyTalent intelligenceAI in HR
ATS Keywords
SHRMemployee relationsHRIS (Workday, BambooHR)compensationcompliancetalent acquisition
How to Negotiate Your HR Manager Salary in Arkansas
Walk-away anchor: $102,315.
Leverage Points
- SHRM-SCP / SPHR materially shift compensation - cite the credential premium
- HR analytics, Workday config, and people-data work pay above generalist roles
- Headcount supported and span of control
- M&A integration, RIF, or rapid-scale experience
Negotiate Beyond Base
Sign-on bonus to offset forfeited annual bonusSHRM / HRCI certification and renewal feesAnnual performance bonusExecutive coaching budgetHybrid / remote flexibility
HR Manager Salary FAQ — Arkansas
What is the average HR Manager salary in Arkansas?
The average HR Manager salary in Arkansas is $110,500 per year as of April 2026. Salaries range from $66,300 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $170,000 (90th percentile). State income tax applies.
How does HR Manager pay in Arkansas compare to the US average?
HR Managers in Arkansas earn approximately 15% less than the US national median ($130,000 nationally vs $110,500 in Arkansas). Arkansas's cost-of-living index of 87 amplifies the real purchasing power.
Did HR Manager salaries in Arkansas increase in 2026?
Yes — HR Manager salaries in Arkansas grew approximately 370.0% year-over-year, from $23,511 in 2025 to $110,500 in 2026. This reflects the broader Human Resources sector's wage growth, driven by HR analytics and Workday demand.
Which Arkansas cities pay HR Managers the most?
Arkansas has no major metros in our database — fallback to the closest tracked city for detailed breakdowns.
What's the job outlook for HR Managers in Arkansas?
HR manager demand growing 6%. Strategic HR roles paying premiums. Arkansas's top industries include Retail (Walmart HQ), Logistics (J.B. Hunt), Agriculture, and the state's unemployment rate is 3.5% — a tight labor market favoring candidates.
Does Arkansas have state income tax?
Yes, Arkansas has state income tax. This affects take-home pay — at $110,500, expect 4-7% effective state tax depending on filing status. See city pages for detailed take-home calculations.
What skills are most in demand for HR Managers in 2026?
Hottest 2026 skills: HR analytics, Workday, DEI strategy, Talent intelligence, AI in HR. ATS systems specifically scan for these. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — improves your match rate with Arkansas employers.
How can I increase my HR Manager salary in Arkansas?
With SHRM-SCP and direct Workday config experience, the going rate for this role is $X. I'd like base there plus a sign-on to offset the bonus I'd be leaving on the table. Beyond base, negotiate: Sign-on bonus to offset forfeited annual bonus, SHRM / HRCI certification and renewal fees, Annual performance bonus, Executive coaching budget. Walk-away anchor for Arkansas: $102,315.
Methodology
Arkansas HR Manager salary is the BLS national median ($130,000) adjusted by Arkansas's state multiplier (0.85×). YoY rate from BLS Employment Cost Index. Last reviewed April 29, 2026.
HR Manager Salary in Other States
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