Data Scientist Salary in Arkansas: Quick Overview
If you’re considering a career as a data scientist in Arkansas, here’s what you need to know about compensation. Arkansas data scientists earn a median salary of $115,890 per year, which is +7.3% vs national average.
| Metric | Salary |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $115,890 |
| Entry-Level (10th Percentile) | $82,870 |
| Experienced (90th Percentile) | $159,700 |
| Estimated Employment | 330 workers |
| Salary Range | $82,870 – $159,700 |
How Arkansas Compares to Other States
Here are the top 5 highest-paying states for data scientists across the country:
| State | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Delaware | $138,780 |
| Virginia | $136,490 |
| California | $133,690 |
| Washington | $132,620 |
| New Jersey | $130,570 |
Breaking Down the Numbers: What You’ll Actually Make
Let’s get real about the numbers. A data scientist in Arkansas can expect their salary to grow significantly over their career:
- Starting out (first 1-3 years): Expect somewhere around $82,870 per year. This is the 10th percentile — meaning 10% of workers earn less than this.
- Mid-career (3-7 years): The median of $115,890 kicks in. Half of all data scientists in Arkansas earn more than this, half earn less.
- Senior level (7+ years): Top earners pull in $159,700 or more. The 90th percentile represents the top 10% of earners in the field.
What Affects Your Salary as a Data Scientist in Arkansas
Several factors move the needle on your paycheck:
- Location within Arkansas: Major metro areas typically pay 10-20% more than rural areas. Cost of living plays a big role here.
- Industry: Tech companies, financial institutions, and consulting firms usually pay above median. Government and non-profit roles tend to pay below.
- Education and certifications: A bachelor’s degree is often the minimum. Specialized certifications can bump your salary by 5-15%.
- Experience: Each year of relevant experience adds roughly 2-4% to your base salary, with the biggest jumps in years 1-5.
- Company size: Companies with 500+ employees typically offer 8-12% higher base salaries but may have slower promotion cycles.
How to Maximize Your Data Scientist Salary in Arkansas
Want to push past the median? Here are strategies that actually work:
- Negotiate your starting offer: Companies expect negotiation. Aim for 10-15% above the initial offer. Use the data on this page as leverage.
- Switch companies every 2-3 years: Job hoppers see 8-12% salary increases vs 3-5% for staying put. It’s not loyalty that pays — it’s leverage.
- Build in-demand skills: Focus on skills that fewer people have. Check job postings in Arkansas to see what employers are desperate for.
- Get certified: Industry certifications show you’re serious. They also give HR a reason to classify you at a higher pay grade.
- Consider remote work: If your role allows it, work remotely for a company in a higher-paying state while enjoying Arkansas’s cost of living.
Data Scientist Salary by State
Wondering how Arkansas stacks up against the rest? Browse data scientist salaries in other states:
- Alabama: $100,560
- Alaska: $80,000
- Arizona: $106,400
- California: $133,690
- Colorado: $111,970
- Connecticut: $112,750
- Delaware: $138,780
- District of Columbia: $122,010
- Florida: $95,360
- Georgia: $100,950
- Hawaii: $129,930
- Idaho: $122,280
- Illinois: $108,580
- Indiana: $81,620
- Iowa: $96,980
- Kansas: $101,610
- Kentucky: $88,800
- Louisiana: $68,730
- Maine: $99,960
- Maryland: $125,460
- Massachusetts: $121,560
- Michigan: $90,750
- Minnesota: $114,630
- Mississippi: $62,600
- Missouri: $81,410
- Montana: $94,420
- Nebraska: $92,640
- Nevada: $86,030
- New Hampshire: $92,670
- New Jersey: $130,570
What This Salary Looks Like After Cost of Living
Arkansas’s cost of living index sits at 86, which is below the national average of 100. Good news: your money goes further here. A $115,890 salary in Arkansas feels like earning $134,756 in a state with average costs. Housing, groceries, and utilities all tend to cost less than the national average.
Here’s the math: your median salary of $115,890 in Arkansas has the same purchasing power as earning roughly $134,756 in a state with average living costs. This is important when you’re comparing job offers across state lines — a higher number on paper doesn’t always mean more money in your pocket.
The biggest expenses that eat into your salary in Arkansas:
- Housing: Rent or mortgage is typically 30-40% of take-home pay for data scientists in Arkansas.
- Transportation: Commuting costs vary widely — urban areas with public transit save money, while rural areas require car ownership.
- Healthcare: Expect to spend 5-10% of gross income on premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs.
- Taxes: State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all factor in. Some states are far more tax-friendly than others.
The takeaway? Don’t just look at the raw salary number. A $82,870 starting salary in Arkansas might actually give you more disposable income than a higher salary in a more expensive state.
Career Path: From $82,870 to $159,700
Your salary as a data scientist in Arkansas won’t stay flat. Here’s what the typical progression looks like, based on BLS percentile data:
Years 0-3: Junior Data Scientist / Data Analyst
Expected salary range: $82,870 – $95,300
Cleaning data, building basic models, creating dashboards, and supporting senior scientists. You’re in the bottom quartile of earners, but this is where you build the foundation. Focus on learning fast, taking on stretch projects, and documenting your wins for future negotiations.
Years 3-7: Data Scientist / Senior Analyst
Expected salary range: $95,300 – $115,890
Designing experiments, deploying production models, communicating insights to stakeholders. This is where most people hit the median. The jump from entry-level to mid-career is usually the biggest percentage increase you’ll see.
Years 7+: Principal Data Scientist / Head of Data / VP of Analytics
Expected salary range: $115,890 – $159,700+
Setting data strategy, building teams, driving organizational decisions with analytics. The top 10% of data scientists in Arkansas earn $159,700 or more. Getting there usually requires a mix of specialized skills, leadership experience, and strategic career moves.
Key milestones that trigger salary jumps: changing companies (8-15% bump), getting promoted (10-20%), earning certifications (5-10%), and relocating to higher-paying markets within Arkansas.
How This Compares to Similar Jobs in Arkansas
Wondering if you’d make more in a related field? Here’s how data scientist pay in Arkansas stacks up against comparable roles:
| Job Title | Median Salary | Entry-Level | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $92,140 | $29,390 | $133,220 |
| Accountant | $62,570 | $40,890 | $106,070 |
| Marketing Manager | $118,290 | $47,910 | $208,630 |
Is it worth moving to a different state for a higher data scientist salary?
Moving from Arkansas to a higher-paying state can boost your salary, but run the numbers on cost of living first. A 20% salary increase means nothing if housing costs 40% more. Use the adjusted salary comparison on this page to make an informed decision.
What’s the salary range for data scientists with 10+ years of experience in Arkansas?
With 10+ years of experience, data scientists in Arkansas typically earn between $127,479 and $159,700. The top earners often have specialized skills, management experience, or work in high-demand industries. Senior-level roles may also include equity, bonuses, or profit-sharing that push total compensation well above the base salary figures shown here.
The Bottom Line on Data scientist Salaries in Arkansas
Based on BLS data, data scientists in Arkansas can expect a solid earning trajectory over their career. The key is to negotiate your starting salary aggressively, switch companies every few years for bigger jumps, and invest in skills that are actually in demand in Arkansas’s job market. Don’t sleep on certifications and professional development — they’re often the difference between staying at median pay and breaking into the top quartile. And if you’re comparing offers from different states, always factor in cost of living. A lower salary in Arkansas might actually leave you with more money at the end of the month than a higher salary somewhere expensive. Use the data on this page to make smarter career and financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $115,890 a good salary for a Data Scientist in Arkansas?
The median salary of $115,890 for data scientists in Arkansas is above the national average. Whether it’s “good” depends on your experience level, the specific industry you work in, and Arkansas’s cost of living. For a single person in most parts of Arkansas, this salary provides a comfortable lifestyle.
How much do entry-level data scientists make in Arkansas?
Entry-level data scientists in Arkansas typically earn around $82,870 per year. This varies by industry and whether you’re in a metro or rural area. Internships and co-ops during school can help you start at a higher pay band.
What’s the job outlook for data scientists in Arkansas?
There are approximately 330 data scientists employed in Arkansas. Job growth varies by specialty, but roles requiring digital skills and data analysis tend to see stronger demand. Check the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest projections.
Do data scientists in Arkansas get benefits on top of salary?
Most full-time data scientist positions in Arkansas include benefits worth roughly 30% of base salary: health insurance, retirement contributions (often 3-6% match), paid time off (15-25 days), and sometimes bonuses or profit sharing.