Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary in Arkansas

Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators in Arkansas earn the most in Fayetteville (average $46,730 a year) and the least in Fort Smith ($40,620), across the 3 Arkansas metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators average at $44,060 and the median at $44,010 for 490 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $59,000.

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators average salary by city in Arkansas

Fayetteville$46,730
Little Rock$44,220
Fort Smith$40,620

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Fayetteville	$46,730	$47,540	$39,830	$38,487	91
Little Rock	$44,220	$46,550	$37,450	$36,562	89
Fort Smith	$40,620	$37,210	$35,890	$33,803	86

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Arkansas tax is estimated with the Department of Finance and Administration's 2026 withholding formula. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salary in other states

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salary by city and state

More about pay in Arkansas

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 47-2071.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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