More than half of all jobs in Arkansas (58 percent) are middle-skill occupations that require more than a high school diploma, but not a four-year degree. Yet only 48 percent of Arkansas workers have been educated to the middle-skill level.
Arkansas is home to approximately 143,000 immigrants, who comprise approximately 5 percent of the state’s population. As a result, immigrants play an essential role in the Arkansas labor market.
However, immigrant workers also have lower educational attainment, on average, than native-born workers. In order for Arkansas to capitalize on the full talents and abilities of immigrant residents, the state will need to facilitate their skill building.
