Last Updated: April 2026
NICU Nurse Salary in Arkansas (2026)
NICU Nurses in Arkansas earn an average of $73,231/year ($35.21/hr) in 2026 — 13% below the national average of $84,490/year. Arkansas ranks #46 out of 50 states for NICU Nurse pay.
NICU Nurse Salary in Arkansas vs. Other States
The table below shows the top 5 highest-paying states for NICU Nurses alongside Arkansas and the national average.
NICU Nurse Salary by State — Top 5 + Arkansas
| State | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| California | $145,719 | $70.06/hr |
| Hawaii | $123,556 | $59.40/hr |
| Massachusetts | $112,660 | $54.16/hr |
| New York | $109,152 | $52.48/hr |
| Oregon | $107,786 | $51.82/hr |
| Arkansas (your state, #46) | $73,231 | $35.21/hr |
| National Average | $84,490 | $40.62/hr |
Source: BLS OEWS 2025 + NurseSalaryIntel 2026 projections
NICU Nurse Salary in Arkansas by Experience
Experience is a major driver of pay. In Arkansas, a new grad NICU Nurse starts around $58,585/year, while a nurse with 16+ years earns up to $95,200/year.
NICU Nurse Pay by Experience — Arkansas
| Experience Level | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| New Grad (0–1 yr) | $58,585 | $28.17/hr |
| 2–3 years | $65,908 | $31.69/hr |
| 4–6 years | $73,231 | $35.21/hr |
| 7–10 years | $82,019 | $39.43/hr |
| 11–15 years | $89,342 | $42.95/hr |
| 16+ years | $95,200 | $45.77/hr |
Source: NurseSalaryIntel survey data, 2026
Certifications & Pay Impact in Arkansas
RNC-NIC certification typically adds $4,000–$7,000/year on top of base salary in Arkansas.
Travel NICU Nurse Pay in Arkansas
Travel NICU Nurses in Arkansas typically earn 35–70% more than staff nurses — roughly $109,847–$124,493/year when annualized. The premium reflects facility demand, housing stipends, and contract flexibility.
See travel nurse specialty salary data →National NICU Nurse Salary Overview
For the full national picture — all 50 states, experience breakdowns, and certification premiums — see the complete NICU Nurse salary guide.
View full NICU Nursesalary guide — all states, experience levels & certifications →NICU Nurse Salary in Other States
See how Arkansas compares to the top-paying states for NICU Nurses.
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📊 Data Methodology
Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.
Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a NICU Nurse make in Arkansas?
What is the hourly rate for a NICU Nurse in Arkansas?
How does Arkansas rank for NICU Nurse pay?
Does RNC-NIC certification increase pay in Arkansas?
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