Accountant Hourly Pay in Little Rock, AR: $32.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Little Rock, AR runs $32.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,528 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,517 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the accountant hourly pay in Little Rock, Arkansas is projected to reach a median rate of $32.47, which lags behind the national hourly median of $41.28. This discrepancy highlights the unique economic conditions within the state, making part-time and per-diem roles particularly appealing for those seeking flexibility. For instance, an accountant working three days a week could expect to earn approximately $52,188 annually, based on a standard schedule, while per-diem positions, commonly found in public firms and corporate environments, can offer hourly rates that vary widely. Newer accountants might start at an hourly wage of $22.92, while experienced professionals reaching higher skill levels could earn up to $55.69. As the official BLS data indicates, these rates reflect a competitive environment for accountants in Little Rock.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.92 | $183.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.69 | $213.51 |
| Median (P50) | $32.47 | $259.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.48 | $347.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.69 | $445.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Little Rock
Based on $32.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.47/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $67,529 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,959. With a cost-of-living index of 89.36 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,298.63 | $5,627 | $67,529 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $779.18 | $3,376 | $40,517 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.45 | $2,251 | $27,012 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Little Rock) | $32.47 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Bookkeeping / Accounting Clerk (National Avg) | $22.93 |
| Auditor (National Avg) | $39.88 |
| Tax Examiner / Collector (National Avg) | $29.61 |
Accountants in Little Rock, AR earn a median of $67,528 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.35% lower than the national median of $85,864.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.47/hr = $40,517/year (purchasing power: $45,340).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,529/year (purchasing power: $75,566).
CoL index: 89.364 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Little Rock grew 4.0% from $30.41/hr (2019) to $31.64/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.31/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem accountants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Little Rock metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Accountant in Little Rock
When considering the earning potential for part-time accountants, a schedule of 24 hours per week can significantly influence annual income. For those pursuing per-diem opportunities, there is often a broader range of pay, with rates fluctuating from $50 to $130, depending on the specific firm and role. Big 4 accounting firms like Deloitte and PwC typically offer the most competitive rates, while corporate divisions and state agencies may present lower compensation but often include benefits like health insurance. Accountants with specialized skills, such as forensic accounting, can command even higher fees, as expert testimony can yield rates of $300 to $600 per hour in litigation contexts. Having sound negotiation strategies is paramount, as balancing the desire for a higher hourly wage with the security and benefits of full-time employment remains a vital consideration for many in the accounting profession in Little Rock. Understanding the local market dynamics and employer types significantly aids in achieving optimal compensation.
More salary data for Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for accountants in Little Rock in 2026?
How much do part-time accountants make in Little Rock?
Are accountants in Little Rock paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time accountant make per year in Little Rock?
Do accountants earn more per hour working part-time in Little Rock?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for accountants in Little Rock. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov