Arkansas is a place that always seems to be adapting. There are always new businesses showing up around the corner. And there are also businesses that have been around for as long as we can remember. So whenever you are trying to decide what job is right for you, there are a few different things you can take into consideration. For example, are you looking for a high paying job, a great work-life balance, or a company that has the potential to grow rapidly? 

Jobs in Arkansas are in demand for multiple reasons and we are going to dig into just what some of these businesses are and why they are the jobs that are so sought after.

Fastest Growing Jobs in Arkansas

A fast growing industry means that the job is likely to be secure in the long run. These jobs that are growing quickly are here to stay for a while. Let’s take a look at what fast growing jobs are in demand:

• Speech Language Pathologists
• Physical Therapists
• Physical Therapy Assistants
• Nurse Practitioners
• Occupational Therapists
• Phlebotomists
• Medical Assistants
• EMT – Emergency Medical Technician

It seems to be that Arkansas is teaching and hiring in the medical field at an insanely fast rate. We have such a high rate of medical students who are joining the workforce because we are home to multiple different medical schools. Some of those schools are, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences/UAMS College of Medicine in Little Rock, Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Smith, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, and Baptist Health College in Little Rock.

Highest Paying Jobs in Arkansas

Another to determine what jobs are in high demand is to look at what some of the highest paying jobs are in the state. USA Wage breaks down the top 100 highest paying jobs, but we are just going to go into the top ten.

10. Pharmacists 

Pharmacists play an important role in the medical field. Whenever a medication is prescribed, a pharmacist double checks the doses and makes sure that no other medications will have a harmful reaction to what you are being prescribed.

The average startup pay for pharmacists in 2020 was $85,210. And the average salary of pharmacists was $125,120.

9. Architectural and Engineering Manager

Architectural and Engineering Managers are in charge of overseeing the planning and directing of all architectural or engineering projects.

The average startup pay for an Architectural and Engineering Manager in 2020 was $89,150. And the average salary of the Architectural and Engineering Manager was $126,000.

8. Marketing Managers

It’s no secret that marketing plays a vital role in the workforce, especially now more than ever. They are in charge of creating interest in products or services. According to the Us Bureau of Labor and Statistics the demand for Marketing Managers should increase by 6% from 2019 – 2029. This is faster than the average of all occupations. 

The average startup pay for a Marketing Manager in 2020 was $67,240. And the average salary of Marketing Managers was $126,830.

7. Computer and Information Research Scientist

According to BLS.gov Computer and Information Research scientists are in charge of inventing and designing new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. 

The average startup pay for a Computer and Information Research Scientist in 2020 was $76,720. And the average salary of a Computer and Information Research Scientist was $128,450

6. Nurse Anesthetists

Nurse Anesthetists are in very high demand in Arkansas with the pandemic. According to biospace.com, Nurse Anesthetists care for critically ill patients in emergency rooms and assist ICU teams with intubations and sedation procedures for COVID-19 patients, as well as providing expert anesthesia care.

The average startup pay for Nurse Anesthetists in 2020 was $62,330. And the average salary of a Nurse Anesthetist was $133,810.

5. All Other Physicians; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric

Physicians and Ophthalmologists in Arkansas “diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance.” 

The average startup pay for Physicians in 2020 was $54,660. And the average salary of a Physicians was $141,720.

Highest Paying Jobs in Arkansas4. Dentists

Dentists are in high demand currently as well. They are in charge of diagnosing and treating teeth and gum problems.

The average startup pay for Dentists in 2020 was $77,790. And the average salary of a Dentists was $145,560

3. Obstetricians and Gynecologists

OB/GYN’s work in women’s health, diagnosing and treating diseases in women, with a focus on pregnancy and childbirth. The average startup pay for OB’GYNs in 2020 was $100,290. And the average salary of an OB/GYN was $170,640.

2. Judges

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, judges “arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. They also may sentence defendants in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. And determine the liability of the defendant in civil cases. And lastly, some of them perform wedding ceremonies.”

The average startup pay for judges in 2020 was $101,160. And the average salary of a judge was $174,040

1. General Pediatricians

The highest paying job in Arkansas in 2020 was General Pediatricians. These physicians prevent, diagnose, and treat disease and injuries in children.

The average startup pay for General Pediatricians in 2020 was $116,090. And the average salary of a General Pediatrician was $190,800.