Find a Job You Really Want In
When we think of Arkansas, we often picture stunning hikes, delicious home-cooked meals, and vibrant cultural experiences. However, beyond these attractions lies a robust economy and a continually improving job market.
At Zippia, we dive deep into local economies to uncover which jobs and industries are thriving, providing valuable insights for job seekers and those considering relocation for employment opportunities.
In 2026, we focused on identifying the top industries in Arkansas that offer the best job prospects.
After analyzing the latest data, we present the five best industries for jobs in Arkansas:
Continue reading to learn how we determined which industries stand out in Arkansas.
If you’re interested, explore more about the Arkansas job landscape:
- 5 Best Startups to Work For in Little Rock
- Top 10 Places in Arkansas to Find Employment
- The 100 Lowest Paying Jobs in Arkansas
How We Identified the Leading Industries for Jobs in Arkansas
Data is a powerful tool for understanding the job market. We embarked on a comprehensive analysis to gather data about the Arkansas job landscape.
We evaluated the following criteria to identify the best industries:
- Average Salary
- Job Availability
- Average Stress Level of Jobs within the Industry
Our data sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.
To measure stress levels, we utilized self-reported statistics from individuals within various industries, ranking each from 1 to 22, where 1 represents the lowest stress.
We calculated an overall ‘Best Industry’ index by averaging the rankings, ultimately identifying the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical industry as the top industry in Arkansas.
Refer to the detailed table of data at the end of this post, and read on to discover more about why these industries excel in job opportunities.
Detailed Overview of the Best Industries in Arkansas
| Rank | Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $66,400 |
| 2 | Management | $87,780 |
| 3 | Education, Training, and Library | $44,560 |
| 4 | Production and Manufacturing | $33,120 |
| 5 | Architecture and Engineering | $67,320 |
| 6 | Legal | $73,580 |
| 7 | Business and Financial Operations | $61,740 |
| 8 | Computer and Mathematical | $67,230 |
| 9 | Office and Administrative Support | $31,770 |
| 10 | Transportation | $32,330 |
| 11 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $40,610 |
| 12 | Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $30,360 |
| 13 | Community and Social Service | $39,310 |
| 14 | Sales | $33,010 |
| 15 | Life, Physical, and Social Science | $56,420 |
| 16 | Construction and Extraction | $36,450 |
| 17 | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $41,080 |
| 18 | Healthcare Support | $25,490 |
| 19 | Personal Care and Service | $21,750 |
| 20 | Food Preparation and Serving Related | $20,490 |
| 21 | Protective Service | $35,170 |
| 22 | Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $23,270 |
Conclusion: Best Industries for Job Seekers in Arkansas
In summary, the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical industry stands out as the premier sector for job seekers in Arkansas. Conversely, the Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance industry ranks lowest, primarily due to lower wages and limited job opportunities. Understanding these dynamics can help job seekers make informed decisions about their career paths in the Natural State.
Author
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.
