Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Pay in Arkansas, all employers Sourced
Firefighters (SOC 33-2011) in Arkansas, all employers combined: BLS state estimates do not separate government from private.
| Measure | AR |
|---|---|
| Workers | 2,480 |
| 10th percentile | $28,680 |
| Median | $39,690 |
| 90th percentile | $60,860 |
| National median, government employers | $60,050 |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Pension in Arkansas
State employees: the general plan
| Plan | Accrual | Normal retirement | Employee pays | Social Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APERS Contributory Plan (first employed on or after July 1, 2022) Contributory plan, 5-year FAC / CPI-capped COLA provisions | 2% | age 65 with 5 years of actual service | 6.25% | Covered |
Local employees: Local police and firefighters
| Plan | Accrual | Normal retirement | Employee pays | Social Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System - Benefit Program 1 Members hired on or after July 1, 2013 (10-year vesting) | 3% | any age with 28 years of credited service | Set by the employer | Varies |
The statewide plan a new hire usually joins; where a general plan is shown, some police and fire employers run their own safety plans. Some cities and counties run their own plans; check with the employer. Each plan's formula, vesting, cost-of-living adjustment and retiree health are on the Arkansas pension plans list.
Source: State retirement systems, Official state retirement system pages, member handbooks and statutes. Data captured October 2, 2026.
Employers in Arkansas
111 fire departments in Arkansas, largest Little Rock Fire Department, North Little Rock Fire Department, Fort Smith Fire Department.
Source: U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA), National Fire Department Registry. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Free practice tests for Arkansas
National Firefighter Selection Inventory (NFSI)Practice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians - EMT CertificationPractice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 1001 Firefighter I Certification (Pro Board / IFSAC)Entrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 1001 Firefighter II Certification (Pro Board / IFSAC)Entrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness-Level Responder CertificationEntrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Operations CertificationEntrance or licensing exam · free on Open Exam Prep
- NTN FireTEAM Firefighter Entry-Level ExamPractice for a named exam · free on Open Exam Prep
Source: Open Exam Prep, Open Exam Prep free practice tests. Data captured October 1, 2026. Each link was opened and its exam title checked on the date shown.
More about this job
Requirements, hiring process, training, schedule and day-to-day work are on the national Firefighter page.
Firefighter in other states
More government jobs in Arkansas
Arkansas government jobs · Arkansas public pension plans · police officer standards in Arkansas · exam practice in Arkansas