10 Fastest Growing Jobs In Arkansas

10 Fastest Growing Jobs in Arkansas for 2026

Arkansas has long been a state of evolution and growth. As we step into 2026, we’re witnessing significant shifts in the economy, technology, and workforce dynamics. The landscape of employment is continually changing, with some professions emerging as frontrunners for job growth.

Many roles that were once staples in the job market have faded away, while new opportunities are on the rise. The jobs that will thrive in the coming decades can be challenging to predict, but our analysis focuses on the immediate future based on the latest data.

We’ve analyzed the trends and compiled a list of the fastest growing jobs in Arkansas for 2026.

Here are the top 10 fastest growing jobs in Arkansas, followed by a comprehensive list of the top 100:

It’s exciting to see such demand for roles like physical therapist assistants and nurse practitioners—professions that were once less recognized.

This indicates significant progress in vital sectors and suggests a pathway to secure employment for job seekers.

Next, let’s delve into how we compiled this list.

How We Determined the Fastest Growing Jobs in Arkansas

Every few years, Arkansas’s Department of Labor collaborates with the Bureau of Labor Statistics to project job growth across various occupations. The latest projections, which extend into 2026, reflect the changing demands of the labor market.

To create a comprehensive database, we aggregated data from states across the country, ensuring we captured all necessary information.

We focused on occupations in Arkansas projected to employ at least 1,000 workers in 2026, ensuring relevance for job seekers. This analysis covered 212 occupations in total.

We ranked these occupations based on growth potential, from highest to lowest.

Ultimately, our findings reveal that physical therapist assistants represent the fastest growing job sector in Arkansas.

Why the Fastest Growing Jobs in Arkansas Matter

Understanding job trends is crucial for grasping the direction Arkansas is heading. These insights not only reveal which jobs are becoming more prevalent but also highlight which roles are likely to offer stability and opportunity in the future.

If you’re seeking a reliable career path, consider the professions listed here. From physical therapist assistants to nurse practitioners, these roles are poised for sustained demand in the years ahead.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the 100 fastest growing jobs in the Natural State.

Detailed List of the Fastest Growing Jobs in Arkansas

Rank	Job Title	Growth %	Average Wage	Jobs in 2026
1	Physical Therapist Assistant	142.0%	$57,410	1,590
2	Nurse Practitioner	137.0%	$89,440	1,480
3	Physical Therapist	135.2%	$77,040	2,420
4	Occupational Therapist	130.3%	$80,850	1,290
5	Phlebotomist	128.0%	$27,910	1,190
6	Medical Assistant	126.7%	$30,160	3,420
7	Crew Member	125.5%	$18,820	30,180
8	Speech-Language Pathology Internship	125.4%	$72,440	2,070
9	Computer Numerical Controller Machinist	125.3%	$36,780	2,080
10	Emergency Medical Technician	124.9%	$28,770	2,760
11	Business Analyst	124.1%	$67,600	3,400
12	Industrial Mechanic	124.0%	$46,780	5,900
13	Marketing Internship	123.8%	$62,970	3,070
14	Assistant Manager	123.7%	$27,920	11,130
15	Taxi Driver	121.6%	$21,610	2,310
16	Medical Laboratory Technician	120.8%	$34,820	1,860
17	Dental Assistant	120.3%	$32,280	2,960
18	Information Technology Manager	120.2%	$112,320	2,080
19	Dental Hygienist	119.8%	$65,450	1,630
20	Vocational Training Instructor	119.4%	$50,470	1,290
21	Software Developer	119.3%	$86,890	2,530
22	Bartender	119.0%	$20,800	2,260
23	Database Administrator	118.3%	$76,470	1,230
24	Medical Receptionist	118.0%	$29,280	3,470
25	Medical Records Clerk	117.8%	$33,410	1,990
26	Personal Care Assistant	117.3%	$19,720	19,260
27	Server	116.9%	$19,300	22,840
28	Software Engineer	116.8%	$71,890	1,250
29	Vice President	116.4%	$97,020	1,630
30	Volunteer	116.4%	$28,440	4,050
31	Director	116.3%	$39,850	1,140
32	HVAC Technician	116.3%	$37,470	3,000
33	Electrician	116.2%	$42,540	6,390
34	Food Service Director	116.0%	$46,950	2,970
35	Food Runner	116.0%	$19,350	2,250
36	Billing Specialist	115.9%	$31,290	4,590
37	Home Health Aide	115.7%	$19,820	8,390
38	Machinist	115.7%	$39,700	3,170
39	Food Preparer	115.6%	$20,090	8,290
40	Paralegal	115.6%	$39,700	1,630
41	Medical Director	115.6%	$81,600	3,410
42	Refuse Collector	115.5%	$27,240	2,010
43	Crane Operator	115.5%	$42,290	1,120
44	Registered Nurse	115.4%	$57,630	25,620
45	Certified Nursing Assistant	115.3%	$22,760	21,080
46	Water Plant Operator	115.0%	$34,570	1,760
47	Logistics Coordinator	114.9%	$60,190	1,000
48	Mechanic	114.7%	$38,720	4,070
49	Baker	114.5%	$23,160	1,260
50	Instructor	114.4%	$36,190	1,190
51	Medical Technologist	114.4%	$50,400	1,270
52	Management Consultant	114.0%	$60,690	4,960
53	Barista	113.9%	$19,750	2,540
54	Clinical Psychology Internship	113.6%	$64,480	1,000
55	Attorney	113.6%	$103,980	5,360
56	Accountant	113.4%	$65,740	7,720
57	Real Estate Agent	113.3%	$34,190	2,380
58	Program Manager	113.3%	$54,300	1,450
59	Customer Service Representative	113.2%	$31,770	21,150
60	Computer Technician	113.0%	$40,350	4,000
61	Insurance Processor	113.0%	$34,470	1,480
62	Retail Sales Consultant	113.0%	$24,640	45,120
63	Firefighter/Paramedic	112.8%	$35,590	3,170
64	Plumber	112.8%	$38,570	3,880
65	Sergeant	112.7%	$53,790	1,330
66	Police Officer	112.7%	$38,020	6,580
67	Pharmacy Technician Internship	112.5%	$29,340	3,860
68	Cement Mason	112.5%	$33,910	1,260
69	Highway Maintenance Worker	112.4%	$29,310	2,090
70	Property Manager	112.2%	$42,780	3,220
71	Court Clerk	112.1%	$29,720	1,300
72	Administrative Manager	112.0%	$86,620	2,430
73	Recreation Leader	111.9%	$21,870	1,780
74	Gas Station Attendant	111.9%	$24,790	1,220
75	Library Assistant	111.9%	$22,090	1,320
76	Notary Public	111.8%	$30,750	2,840
77	Trainer	111.8%	$51,960	1,800
78	Licensed Practical Nurse	111.8%	$36,800	12,930
79	Loan Officer	111.6%	$62,730	2,590
80	Fitness Trainer	111.6%	$31,840	1,440
81	Helper	111.5%	$25,490	1,740
82	Respiratory Therapist	111.4%	$49,280	1,170
83	Construction Worker	111.4%	$25,750	11,030
84	Office Manager	111.3%	$48,170	16,510
85	Business Consultant	111.3%	$69,160	9,630
86	Equipment Operator	111.2%	$35,670	1,090
87	Probation Officer	111.1%	$37,870	1,100
88	Cost Estimator	111.1%	$57,340	1,200
89	Field Service Technician	111.1%	$33,970	1,000
90	Correction Officer	111.1%	$33,600	5,930
91	Supervisor	111.0%	$31,730	1,920
92	Dispatcher	111.0%	$35,560	1,720
93	Mechanical Engineer	110.9%	$74,380	1,420
94	Preschool Teacher	110.9%	$31,700	2,540
95	Internship	110.8%	$53,550	2,150
96	Child Care Provider	110.8%	$19,700	14,100
97	Loan Processor	110.7%	$38,080	1,650
98	General Manager	110.7%	$84,770	19,840
99	Sheet Metal Mechanic	110.6%	$37,360	1,360
100	Sales Representative	110.5%	$42,930	3,880

For more insights on the Arkansas job market, explore the following resources:

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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