Salaries in Pine Bluff, AR
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
You might assume a town of 40,000 in Arkansas is a place where everyone commutes to Little Rock. Not quite. Pine Bluff has a surprisingly deep bench of high-paying technical jobs, especially in healthcare and software, that pay well because the cost of living is so low.
Let's talk real purchasing power. The cost of living here is 87% of the national average, but the median household income is only $41,250. That gap tells you everything. A software developer making $122,000 here feels like they’re earning $140,000 in a typical U.S. city. A one-bedroom apartment runs about $690 a month. That’s not a typo. Your paycheck stretches, but only if you’re in one of the few fields that pay above the local median.
So who actually thrives here? This isn’t a corporate hub, but it has anchors. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the regional medical center are huge employers. There’s also a surprising amount of tech work tied to the region’s logistics and manufacturing sectors. The top earners aren’t just executives; they’re pharmacists, software developers, and construction managers who can work remotely or for local firms that need specialized skills.
Here’s the honest catch: wages are low if you’re in a generalist role. The average salary across all jobs is $76,132, but that number is skewed by the handful of six-figure tech and management roles. For most people, pay isn’t keeping pace with the slight uptick in living costs we’ve seen through 2026. This city works beautifully if you have a remote tech job or a high-skill license. If you’re in retail or administrative work, it’s a struggle.
The data below breaks down the top-paying jobs and what your money can actually buy.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Pine Bluff
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Pine Bluff
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (87/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marketing Manager | $151,236 |
| 2 | Pharmacist | $130,520 |
| 3 | Software Developer | $122,105 |
| 4 | Construction Manager | $103,827 |
| 5 | Project Manager | $97,178 |
| 6 | Physical Therapist | $95,671 |
| 7 | Financial Analyst | $95,000 |
| 8 | Web Developer | $88,993 |
| 9 | Dental Hygienist | $83,985 |
| 10 | Accountant | $82,593 |
| 11 | Registered Nurse | $82,584 |
| 12 | Data Analyst | $79,983 |
| 13 | Police Officer | $71,876 |
| 14 | Human Resources Specialist | $64,910 |
| 15 | Elementary School Teacher | $61,091 |
| 16 | Plumber | $60,784 |
| 17 | Paralegal | $60,208 |
| 18 | Electrician | $59,057 |
| 19 | Real Estate Agent | $58,990 |
| 20 | Graphic Designer | $58,855 |
| 21 | Firefighter | $54,806 |
| 22 | Carpenter | $54,614 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $53,415 |
| 24 | Heavy Truck Driver | $50,939 |
| 25 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $48,050 |
| 26 | Welder | $47,581 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $36,720 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Pine Bluff
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Pine Bluff?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Pine Bluff. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Pine Bluff Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Pine Bluff Worth It?
Here’s my honest take: Pine Bluff offers serious buying power. With an average salary of $76,132 and a cost-of-living index of 87.0, your paycheck stretches further—especially when rent is just $690 a month. The standout is Marketing Manager, which hits $151,236 and adjusts to $173,834 in real terms. Financially? It’s worth it if you’re in a high-demand role and value low overhead.
Who benefits most? Tech and healthcare professionals can leverage remote opportunities with local purchasing power, while tradespeople will find steady demand and lower living costs. Marketers clearly win here.
My advice: If you’re moving for work, lock in a remote or high-salary role first. Pine Bluff’s affordability is a launchpad—not a ceiling. Come with a plan to earn big and spend little.