Arkansas Firefighter Salary (2026) – Pay Drivers, Overtime, Benefits & What to Verify
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Firefighter compensation in Arkansas can vary based on department size, local budgets, rank/step plans, schedules, and benefits. This guide focuses on what you can confirm directly from a department’s published scale or HR documentation.
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The Factors That Change Pay the Most
- Rank/step: entry vs top step can be a different job financially.
- Schedule: how hours and built-in overtime are structured matters.
- Overtime policy: assignment rules and minimums drive practical earning potential.
- Deductions: retirement and healthcare premiums can materially reduce take-home pay.
Overtime: Practical Questions to Ask
- Is overtime offered by seniority, rotation, or supervisor assignment?
- Are there mandatory holdovers? If so, how often and how are they paid?
- Are there limits/caps or approval requirements?
Benefits and Total Compensation
Evaluate retirement terms, vesting, contribution rates, healthcare premiums, and whether there are incentives for certifications or specialty roles. These can matter as much as base pay over a career.
How to Compare Departments in Arkansas
- Get the current pay scale for the rank you are applying for.
- Confirm schedule details and overtime calculation method.
- Estimate overtime using realistic assumptions from staffing policy.
- Subtract taxes and employee deductions for retirement and healthcare.
- Compare purchasing power: housing, commute, and recurring costs.
FAQ
Is it better to compare salary by state or by department?
Department comparisons are usually more accurate. State-level summaries can help you narrow options, but pay and benefits are ultimately set by the department and jurisdiction.
What’s the fastest way to avoid misleading comparisons?
Match rank/step and schedule assumptions, then compare overtime rules and deductions side-by-side.
