Arkansas Firefighter Salary (2026) – City Breakdown, Overtime & Real Take-Home
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Arkansas firefighter compensation varies by department, schedule, overtime policy, and benefits. This guide breaks down what Arkansas firefighters actually earn — from entry-level pay to top-step with overtime — and what shapes take-home pay across the state's major departments.
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and department pay scales (BLS mean: $40,780):
Level
Annual Base Pay
Entry-level (probation / step 1)
$32,000–$42,000
Mid-career (5–10 years)
$42,000–$55,000
Top-step Firefighter
$50,000–$65,000
With overtime (realistic)
$58,000–$78,000
Engineer / Driver-Operator
$58,000–$72,000
Captain
$65,000–$85,000
Source: BLS OES May 2023, department HR postings, union contracts. Numbers reflect base pay; total compensation with OT and benefits is higher.
City-by-City Breakdown
Department
Typical Range
Notes
Little Rock Fire Department
$42,000–$68,000
Largest department in Arkansas; best pay and benefits in the state.
Fayetteville Fire Department
$40,000–$62,000
University city in NW Arkansas; growing metro with improving compensation.
Fort Smith Fire Department
$36,000–$56,000
Border city with Oklahoma; smaller department, limited OT.
Overtime and Premium Pay
Overtime is limited in most Arkansas departments due to lower call volume and tighter municipal budgets. Little Rock offers the most consistent OT opportunities.
Use the Salary Comparison Tool to model different overtime assumptions before comparing departments.
Retirement and Pension
Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System (LOPFI). Defined-benefit plan for career firefighters. Voluntary supplemental plans available.
Cost of Living — What Your Salary Actually Buys
Arkansas has one of the lowest costs of living in the U.S. Housing is very affordable statewide. A $50,000 salary in Little Rock or Fayetteville provides strong purchasing power relative to most other states.
AR Firefighter Career Outlook
Pay is below the national average, but low cost of living makes Arkansas viable for those with personal or family ties to the state. NW Arkansas (Fayetteville/Bentonville corridor) is the fastest-growing area and improving compensation.
How to Compare Two Arkansas Departments
Match the same rank and step (entry vs. 5-year vs. top step).
Confirm the schedule type and how overtime is calculated under your contract.
Get the actual pension contribution rate — not just the benefit formula.
Ask for healthcare premium costs for your coverage tier.
Subtract deductions, then compare take-home against housing costs in that specific city.
Add conservative overtime — use low-end estimates, not maximum scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average firefighter salary in Arkansas?
The BLS mean wage for firefighters in Arkansas is $40,780. Career firefighters typically earn $42,000–$55,000 in base pay depending on rank, step, and department. With realistic overtime, total compensation ranges from $58,000–$78,000.
Do Arkansas firefighters get a pension?
Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System (LOPFI). Defined-benefit plan for career firefighters. Voluntary supplemental plans available.
Is Arkansas a good state for a firefighter career?
Pay is below the national average, but low cost of living makes Arkansas viable for those with personal or family ties to the state. NW Arkansas (Fayetteville/Bentonville corridor) is the fastest-growing area and improving compensation.
