👥
Sponsor this section
Put your brand in front of HR & career decision-makers
High-intent audience · Niche relevance · Brand-safe environment
→

EMT Salaries in Arkansas — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a emt make in Arkansas? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $31,710/yr ($15.25/hr), with around 1,230 people working in this field statewide.

EMT salaries in Arkansas are below the national average by approximately $9,635. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.

Arkansas's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for emts.

Arkansas EMT Take-Home Pay Calculator

Interactive

Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Arkansas after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$31,710
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$27,155

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Arkansas EMT Check

Interactive

Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Arkansas median of $31,710.

Your annual salary ($)

EMT Salary by Experience — Arkansas

Entry Level (0–2 years)$19,700/yr · $9.47/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Arkansas.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$28,221/yr · $13.57/hr
Established professional working independently in Arkansas. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$35,198/yr · $16.92/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Arkansas.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$45,700+/yr · $21.97/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Arkansas.
📊
Advertise on WageByState
6,200+ data pages · all 50 states · BLS-verified
Reach professionals actively researching salary & career data
→

EMT Salary Trend in Arkansas — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Five-year wage growth for emts in Arkansas: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Arkansas's emergency medical services.

2021
$27,841
2022
$29,458
+5.8%
2023
$30,822
+4.6%
2024
$31,329
+1.6%
2026
$31,710
+1.2%

EMT Salary by City — Arkansas

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Little Rock$35,200$16.92+11.0%430
Fort Smith$33,600$16.15+6.0%344
Fayetteville$32,650$15.70+3.0%221
Springdale$30,450$14.64-4.0%110
Jonesboro$28,850$13.87-9.0%73
Conway$27,600$13.27-13.0%50

Tip: Little Rock offers the highest emt salaries in Arkansas at $35,200/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Arkansas vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Arkansas sits in the mid-range for emts.

Arkansas — 4.4% state income tax$31,710 gross~$27,155 take-home
Missouri — 4.8%$38,580 gross+21.7% vs AR
Tennessee — no state tax$37,630 gross+18.7% vs AR
Mississippi — 5.0%$35,980 gross+13.5% vs AR

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.

📈
Sponsorship available
America's most comprehensive salary data site
All 50 states · 49 professions · BLS-verified figures
→

EMT Job Outlook in Arkansas

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
1,230Currently employed
123+New jobs projected

Employment for emts in Arkansas is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Arkansas job market. Arkansas's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for emts.

How to Earn More as an EMT in Arkansas

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as an emt in Arkansas typically adds $26,000 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State EMS Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Little Rock pays emts $35,200/yr — +11.0% above the Arkansas average. Simply relocating within Arkansas can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. EMTs who specialise in emergency medical services typically command premium rates in Arkansas. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Missouri pays emts $38,580/yr — 21.7% vs Arkansas.

Find EMT Jobs in Arkansas

Live Listings

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average emt salary in Arkansas?
The average emt salary in Arkansas is $31,710 per year, or $15.25 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $19,700 while experienced professionals earn $45,700 or more.
What city in Arkansas pays emts the most?
Little Rock pays emts the most in Arkansas at an average of $35,200 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Arkansas stack up nationally for emt pay?
Arkansas emt salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $9,635. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.
What is the take-home pay for an emt in Arkansas?
A emt earning the Arkansas average of $31,710 takes home approximately $27,155 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.
Should you become an emt in Arkansas?
Yes. EMT is a strong career choice in Arkansas with steady demand projected over the next decade. Arkansas's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for emts.
What's the licensing process for emts in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, emts are licensed through the State EMS Licensing Board. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State EMS Licensing Board for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.