Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Registered Nurse Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Nursing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$77,130 median (18% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#46 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Registered Nurse licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $77,130, Registered Nurses in Arkansas earn 18% below the national median of $93,600. Arkansas ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$77,130Hourly estimate
$37.0818% below national median
Difference: -$16,470
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRegistered Nurse Salary Ranking
#46 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $140,330 |
| #2 | Hawaii | $136,320 |
| #3 | Oregon | $123,990 |
| #4 | Washington | $112,180 |
| #5 | Alaska | $110,690 |
Nearby States Comparison
Registered Nurse licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $77,130 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $79,770 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $79,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $74,470 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $78,880 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $90,010 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $81,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Missouri | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Mississippi | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Louisiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Texas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Nursing
University Tower Building, Suite 800, 1123 South University, Little Rock, AR, 72204
Phone: 5016862700
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-5 months |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $53,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $99,330 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Registered Nurses in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Registered Nurses.
What education do you need to become a Registered Nurse in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Registered Nurse licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Arkansas is $77,130. Salaries range from $57,380 (10th percentile) to $99,960 (90th percentile).
How does the Registered Nurse salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Registered Nurses in Arkansas earn 18% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of $77,130.
How many Registered Nurses work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 28,320 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Registered Nurses in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Review agency details at https://www.arsbn.org/.
How often do you renew a Registered Nurse license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.