OR Travel Nurse Salary in Arkansas
Calculate your take-home pay as a Operating Room travel nurse in Arkansas. OR travel nurses assist in surgical procedures, managing sterile fields, instruments, and patient care during operations.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Average Hourly Rate
$45/hr
OR in AR
Weekly Gross Pay
$1,792
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$93,184
Working full-time
Arkansas OR Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for OR travel nurse compensation
Arkansas's 5.9% state tax is offset by a low cost of living (index: 86.5). OR travel nurses here can expect affordable housing—average rent is $800/month, leaving an estimated $914/week in stipend profit.
Est. Weekly Gross
$2,891
(Taxable + Stipends)
Est. Weekly Net
$2,355
(After 29.9% est. tax)
Stipend vs Housing
+$914/wk
(Surplus or deficit)
Hawaii leads at $65/hr — $20/hr more than Arkansas. Compare →
Calculate Your OR Pay in Arkansas
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Operating Room travel nurse in Arkansas. Enter your contract details to see your true discretionary income after cost of living adjustments.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 5.9% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$70.53
Based on 36 hours in AR.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,539
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,440
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$431
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,108
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$27,410
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$54,819
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$109,639
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,108
per week
Taxes
$431
per week
Total Gross: $2,539 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Arkansas
$800
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,170
Your stipend covers rent with $2,170 left over each month.
Find apartments under $800/month in Little Rock:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Arkansas
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Arkansas's cost of living is lower than the national average by 13.5 points.
💡 Lower cost of living area. Your pay may go further here than in expensive cities.
Housing Cost: Low
Utilities: Low
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
Resources for Your Assignment
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GSA Rates & Tax-Free Stipends in Arkansas
OR travel nurses in Arkansas receive the same tax-free stipend rates as other specialties. The specialty premium is reflected in your higher taxable hourly rate.
Lodging
$98/night
Meals & Incidentals
$64/day
Weekly Stipend Max
$1,134
Requirements for OR Travel Nurses in Arkansas
OR Certifications
- BLS
- 2+ years OR experience
- CNOR preferred
Arkansas Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in Arkansas
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Hospitals Hiring OR Nurses in Arkansas
- UAMS Medical Center
- Baptist Health
- Mercy Hospital
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do OR travel nurses make in Arkansas?
Operating Room travel nurses in Arkansas typically earn between $40 and $57 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $45/hr. This translates to approximately $1,792 per week or $93,184 annually. OR nurses often earn a premium due to specialized skills required.
What are the requirements to work as a OR travel nurse in Arkansas?
To work as a Operating Room travel nurse in Arkansas, you typically need: BLS, 2+ years OR experience, CNOR preferred. Arkansas is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so if you have a compact license, you can work here without additional state licensing.
What GSA rates apply for OR travel nurses in Arkansas?
The GSA per diem rates for Arkansas are: Lodging: $98/night, Meals: $59/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts. OR travel nurses receive the same stipend rates as other specialties—the specialty premium is reflected in the higher taxable hourly rate.
Is Arkansas a good state for OR travel nurses?
Arkansas has higher taxes but often offers competitive rates for travel nurses. OR nursing has high demand in this state. The cost of living index is 86.5 (below national average).
Which cities in Arkansas have the best OR travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Operating Room travel nurse assignments in Arkansas include: Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith. Major hospitals like UAMS Medical Center and Baptist Health frequently hire OR travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.