Is a $85,500 Physical Therapist Salary in Arkansas Worth It? (2026 Audit)
A quantitative breakdown of real net take-home pay, 2.0% - 4.4% state tax deductions, median rent burdens in the Little Rock metro, and purchasing power parity against UK & global benchmarks.
By MazicBay Labor Bureau•Updated for 2026 IRS & State Tax Brackets•Verified with BLS Data
Arkansas Economic Audit
Verified Bureau Report
Little Rock Metropolitan Economic Profile (2026)
Physical Therapist Compensation Architecture in Arkansas
Median Gross Salary
$85,500
Above: Physical therapist assisting patient with orthopedic neuromuscular rehabilitation.Photo: Sports Medicine Registry
Median Annual Gross
$85,500
$41.11/hr equivalent
Est. Net Take-Home Pay
$69,554
~$5,796/month
State Income Tax Rate
2.0% - 4.4%
COL Index: 88.5
Median Monthly Rent
$1,050
Little Rock Metro Avg
Physical Therapist Earning Spectrum & Net Pay Breakdown (Arkansas)
2026 Distribution Curve
Entry-Level (25th %)Median Benchmark (50th %)Senior Top Tier (90th %)
Keep $5,796/month after all withholdings.State Tax Bracket: 2.0% - 4.4%
Cross-Border Global Purchasing Power Benchmark:
A $85,500 USD salary in Arkansas converts approximately to:
UK Equivalent (GBP)
£67,545 / yr
EU Equivalent (EUR)
€78,660 / yr
LITTLE ROCK, AR (AP) —For professionals evaluating career relocation or compensation packages, Arkansas offers a distinct trade-off between gross earning potential and localized cost burdens. A Physical Therapist in the Little Rock metropolitan area commands a median gross income of $85,500 per year.
However, top-line numbers can be deceiving without factoring in Arkansas's tax architecture (2.0% - 4.4%). After federal income withholding, mandatory FICA contributions, and local state withholdings, the estimated take-home pay stands at $69,554.
2026 Arkansas Take-Home Pay & Tax Calculator
Estimate your net paycheck after Federal Income Tax, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and Arkansas State Taxes.
Gross Pay
$7,125
Total Deductions
-$1,699
~24% Est. Tax
Net Take-Home
$5,426
In Your Pocket
Based on 2026 IRS Single filer tax brackets and Arkansas state revenue statutes.
Physical Therapist Compensation & Career Specifications
Career Category
Healthcare
Entry-Level (25th Percentile)
$61,560 / year
Senior Professional (90th Percentile)
$123,975 / year
National U.S. Baseline
$98,000 / year
Projected 10-Year Job Growth
+15% (High)
Required Education / License
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Top Hiring Employers in Arkansas
Walmart HQ, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt Transport
Highest Demand Skillsets
Rehabilitation • Manual Therapy • Orthopedic Care
Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist in Arkansas
As of 2026, the median annual salary for a Physical Therapist in Arkansas is $85,500 ($41.11/hour). Entry-level roles average $61,560, while senior professionals command upwards of $123,975.
