Medical Assistant in Arkansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Arkansas employs 5,150 medical assistants, with a statewide median of $37,760 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arkansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Medical assistants Earn in Arkansas (May 2025)
- Arkansas median pay
- $37,760 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $30,840
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $42,900
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $46,060
- Employed in Arkansas
- 5,150
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $42,000 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for medical assistants in major Arkansas markets:
- Memphis
- $39,260 (3,350 employed)
- Fayetteville
- $38,400 (1,270 employed)
- Little Rock
- $38,110 (1,660 employed)
- Fort Smith
- $37,380 (430 employed)
- Jonesboro
- $37,190 (220 employed)
- Texarkana
- $36,160 (230 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Arkansas
Prices in Arkansas run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 86.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $37,760 median stretches to roughly $43,452 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Arkansas (2024–2034)
Arkansas is projected to grow medical assistants employment +20.9%, faster than the +12.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 760 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Arkansas License and Certification Requirements
No state license; CMA/RMA certification employer-preferred — regulated by the No Arkansas state license.
- Arkansas does not license medical assistants.
- Complete a medical assistant program (certificate or associate).
- Earn CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) certification — preferred by most clinics and a common stepping stone into nursing.
Official requirements: No Arkansas state license →
Training in Arkansas
One of the fastest clinic-based entries. Certification and an externship placement are what get you hired.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arkansas include:
- Arkansas State University — Associate
- Arkansas State University Mid-South — Associate
- Arkansas State University-Beebe — Certificate / Associate
- Arkansas Tech University — Certificate / Associate
Where Medical assistants Work in Arkansas
Real Arkansas hospitals that employ medical assistants include:
- VA Hosp — North Little Rock
- Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock — Little Rock
- Chi St Vincent Infirmary — Little Rock
- Unity Health White County Medical Center — Searcy
- Baptist Health - Fort Smith — Fort Smith
- VA Hosp — Little Rock
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want the fastest entry into clinical healthcare and are comfortable with both patient care and administrative tasks.
Think twice if: A pay ceiling in the low-to-mid $40s and a broad scope of low-autonomy tasks sounds frustrating rather than engaging.
Why it's resilient: Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative tasks that require physical presence, patient interaction, and real-time judgment in physician offices and clinics.
First Steps
Look for accredited medical assistant programs at community colleges — many run 9–12 months and include an externship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical assistants make in Arkansas?
The median wage for medical assistants in Arkansas is $37,760 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $30,840, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $46,060. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Medical Assistant in Arkansas?
No state license; CMA/RMA certification employer-preferred, overseen by the No Arkansas state license. Arkansas does not license medical assistants.
Is being a Medical Assistant a good career in Arkansas?
Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative tasks that require physical presence, patient interaction, and real-time judgment in physician offices and clinics.
Which Arkansas metros pay medical assistants the most?
Among Arkansas metro areas, Memphis leads at $39,260, followed by Fayetteville ($38,400), Little Rock ($38,110). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Medical Assistant in Arkansas?
Real Arkansas options include Arkansas State University, Arkansas State University Mid-South, Arkansas State University-Beebe. Most medical assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Medical Assistant a growing career in Arkansas?
Arkansas projects medical assistants employment to change +20.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 760 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Arkansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9092. Licensing summary compiled from the No Arkansas state license (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Arkansas wages · Arkansas licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.