How Much Does a Home Health Aide Make in Arkansas in 2026?

A typical Home Health Aide in Arkansas earns about $13.30 per hour ($27,660 per year), according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That annual total translates to roughly $2,305 per month when working a full-time schedule. On a shorter basis, it amounts to about $532 per week, as calculated from the annual figure. These baseline earnings reflect full-time schedules across clinical and home settings.

Across the country, typical pay sits at $17.21 per hour or $35,800 annually, putting Arkansas 23% below the national benchmark. This compensation level places the state at rank 48 out of 51 states and territories. Despite the lower wage levels, the state supports a sizable care sector with 19,840 aides employed statewide out of 4,305,810 nationwide. Lower pay in Arkansas usually tracks lower living costs.

Entry-level positions in Arkansas typically offer around $11.51 per hour, which equals $23,940 annually. Workers with some initial training or a year of experience see wages rise toward $12.61 hourly or $26,230 per year. Pay generally moves toward the statewide typical rate of $13.30 per hour within a few years of continuous service. Steady work history helps aides transition into higher-paying assignments.

Experienced caregivers often earn upwards of $14.06 per hour or $29,250 annually as their duties expand. The top 10% of earners make over $15.23 per hour, which corresponds to $31,680 per year. This creates an entry-to-top spread of $7,740 across the state. Care setting, specialized client care, accumulated experience, and local city wage structures tend to separate the highest earners from starting staff.

Wages for Arkansas caregivers have grown steadily over the recent recorded period. In 2019, typical annual pay stood at $21,730 before climbing to $27,660 by 2025. That trajectory reflects an overall increase of $5,930, marking a 27% rise in baseline compensation. Annual earnings expanded across most intermediate years, including reaches past $26,000 in 2022 and $27,000 in 2023.

By comparison, the national compensation rate saw a 42% increase across the same decade window. While Arkansas saw more moderate wage acceleration than the country as a whole, local earnings have trended consistently upward. For someone entering the field now, pay has moved up over time, though past trends do not determine future wage changes.

Geographic location creates noticeable wage variations across the state, with figures reflecting each city's full metro area. Pay runs highest in the northwest region, where Fayetteville leads at $29,430 annually ($14.15 hourly). That benchmark sits 6% above the statewide figure. Springdale and Rogers match that rate, while Fort Smith reports $28,410 and Jonesboro records $27,430 per year.

At the other end of the spectrum, Hot Springs reports the lowest rate among reported areas at $25,740 per year ($12.37 hourly). This difference produces an overall city spread of $3,690 between highest- and lowest-paying markets. The Conway metropolitan area, which includes Little Rock and North Little Rock, employs the largest workforce with 5,770 aides earning $27,840 annually. Workers evaluating these locations should weigh regional pay differences against local housing and living expenses.

Caregivers exploring regional opportunities will find varied pay across border states. Missouri offers the highest neighboring compensation at $33,080 annually (20% higher), followed by Tennessee at $32,130 (16% higher). Oklahoma pays similarly to Arkansas at $27,710. By contrast, Texas pays lower at $24,230 (12% lower), Mississippi sits at $23,860 (14% lower), and Louisiana trails furthest at $22,520 (19% lower). Licensure or registration in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a nearby one.

Home Health Aides in Arkansas currently earn a typical wage of $27,660 per year, reflecting a steady climb of $5,930 or 27% over recent years. While state earnings sit below national benchmarks, living expenses in the region are comparatively modest. Prospective aides should consult the state licensing or registry page for specific training and certification requirements. Reviewing individual city pages can help clarify local wage variations and employer compensation across different metropolitan communities.