Medical Assistant Salaries in Arkansas — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median medical assistant salary in Arkansas is $37,150 per year, equivalent to $17.86/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Arkansas employs approximately 4,990 medical assistants statewide.
Medical Assistant salaries in Arkansas are below the national average by approximately $5,883. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.
Pro-business policies and steady migration into Arkansas keep demand strong for medical assistants.
Arkansas Medical Assistant Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter 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%.
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 Medical Assistant Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Arkansas median of $37,150.
Medical Assistant Salary by Experience — Arkansas
Medical Assistant Salary Trend in Arkansas — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataMedical Assistant salaries in Arkansas have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Arkansas's healthcare and physician offices.
Medical Assistant Salary by City — Arkansas
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | $41,250 | $19.83 | +11.0% | 1,746 |
| Fort Smith | $39,400 | $18.94 | +6.1% | 1,397 |
| Fayetteville | $38,250 | $18.39 | +3.0% | 898 |
| Springdale | $35,650 | $17.14 | -4.0% | 449 |
| Jonesboro | $33,800 | $16.25 | -9.0% | 299 |
| Conway | $32,300 | $15.53 | -13.1% | 199 |
Tip: Little Rock offers the highest medical assistant salaries in Arkansas at $41,250/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Arkansas vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Arkansas sits in the mid-range for medical assistants.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.
Medical Assistant Job Outlook in Arkansas
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for medical assistants in Arkansas is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Arkansas job market. Pro-business policies and steady migration into Arkansas keep demand strong for medical assistants.
How to Earn More as a Medical Assistant in Arkansas
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a medical assistant in Arkansas typically adds $30,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Medical Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Little Rock pays medical assistants $41,250/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. Medical Assistants who specialise in healthcare and physician offices 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 medical assistants $39,310/yr — 5.8% vs Arkansas.
Find Medical Assistant Jobs in Arkansas
Live ListingsSearch current medical assistant job vacancies in Arkansas:
🔍 Medical Assistant jobs in Arkansas — Indeed→ 🔍 Medical Assistant jobs in Arkansas — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Medical Assistant jobs — Little Rock, AR→