Police Officer Salaries in Arkansas — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a police officer make in Arkansas? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $48,090/yr ($23.12/hr), with around 5,490 people working in this field statewide.
Police Officer salaries in Arkansas are below the national average by approximately $25,151. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.
Arkansas's economy continues to add police officer jobs as population and businesses grow.
Arkansas Police Officer 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 Police Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Arkansas median of $48,090.
Police Officer Salary by Experience — Arkansas
Police Officer Salary Trend in Arkansas — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataPolice Officer 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 law enforcement and public safety.
Police Officer Salary by City — Arkansas
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | $53,400 | $25.67 | +11.0% | 1,921 |
| Fort Smith | $51,000 | $24.52 | +6.1% | 1,537 |
| Fayetteville | $49,550 | $23.82 | +3.0% | 988 |
| Springdale | $46,150 | $22.19 | -4.0% | 494 |
| Jonesboro | $43,750 | $21.03 | -9.0% | 329 |
| Conway | $41,850 | $20.12 | -13.0% | 219 |
Tip: Little Rock offers the highest police officer salaries in Arkansas at $53,400/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 police officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.
Police Officer Job Outlook in Arkansas
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for police officers in Arkansas is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Arkansas job market. Arkansas's economy continues to add police officer jobs as population and businesses grow.
How to Earn More as a Police Officer in Arkansas
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a police officer in Arkansas typically adds $39,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Law Enforcement Training Commission can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Little Rock pays police officers $53,400/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. Police Officers who specialise in law enforcement and public safety 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 police officers $60,720/yr — 26.3% vs Arkansas.
Find Police Officer Jobs in Arkansas
Live ListingsSearch current police officer job vacancies in Arkansas:
🔍 Police Officer jobs in Arkansas — Indeed→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs in Arkansas — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs — Little Rock, AR→