Accountant in North Little Rock, AR

The Salary Picture: Where North Little Rock Stands

As a local, I can tell you that accounting is a stable, in-demand profession in North Little Rock, but it's not a get-rich-quick field. The numbers back this up. The median salary for accountants in the North Little Rock metro area is $83,265 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.03. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080, but the key here is the cost of living. We'll get to that in a second.

Let's break down what you can expect at different career stages. These are generalized estimates based on local market patterns and the provided median data.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (North Little Rock)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Career	3-9 years	$70,000 - $95,000
Senior	10-19 years	$90,000 - $115,000
Expert/Manager	20+ years	$110,000 - $140,000+

How does this stack up against other Arkansas cities? North Little Rock is part of the larger Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area. It generally offers competitive salaries within the state, often edging out smaller markets like Fort Smith or Jonesboro. The 10-year job growth for accountants in the metro is projected at 4%, which is modest but positive, indicating steady demand rather than explosive growth. There are approximately 129 accountant jobs in the metro area at any given time, according to BLS data. This means the market isn't flooded, but competition for the best roles at top firms is real.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the title "Accountant." Salaries in North Little Rock vary significantly based on specialization. A CPA in a tax role at a mid-sized firm or a senior internal accountant at a large hospital system will hit the higher end of these ranges faster than a general ledger clerk at a small business.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $83,265 sounds solid, but let's get real about what it means in your bank account. Arkansas has a progressive state income tax, with rates ranging from 0% to 5.5%. For a single filer earning $83,265, you're looking at a ballpark effective tax rate of around 18-22% (federal and state combined), bringing your take-home pay to roughly $55,000 - $60,000 annually or about $4,580 - $5,000 per month after taxes.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, $83,265 Salary):

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
After-Tax Income	$4,750	(Based on ~42% total tax rate)
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$950	Regional average; varies by neighborhood
Utilities	$200	Electricity, water, gas, internet
Groceries & Dining	$500	North Little Rock has affordable groceries
Transportation	$400	Car payment, insurance, gas (car is essential here)
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-sponsored plans common
Student Loans/Debt	$300	Varies widely
Retirement (401k)	$400	Aim for 5% match from employer
Savings & Miscellaneous	$1,700	Left for travel, hobbies, emergency fund

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in North Little Rock is around $210,000 - $240,000. With a good credit score and a 10% down payment ($21,000 - $24,000), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be around $1,400 - $1,600. This is well within the budget of an accountant earning the median salary, especially if they're dual-income. The Cost of Living Index of 89.1 (where the US average is 100) makes homeownership very achievable compared to national metros.

Where the Jobs Are: North Little Rock's Major Employers

North Little Rock's economy is anchored by healthcare, government, and logistics. Your accounting opportunities will primarily come from these sectors.

1. Arkansas Children's Hospital (North Little Rock Campus): A major employer with complex financial operations. They hire for internal accountants, financial analysts, and grant accountants. Hiring is steady, driven by ongoing expansion projects.
2. Baptist Health Medical Center (Arkansas Heart Hospital): Another healthcare giant. Their accounting department is large, with roles in revenue cycle, payroll, and financial reporting. They often promote from within.
3. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Little Rock Branch: While technically in downtown Little Rock, it's a 5-minute drive across the river. This is a prestigious, stable employer for accounting and auditing roles, often requiring a CPA.
4. L'Oreal USA (North Little Rock Distribution Center): A key player in the manufacturing/logistics sector. They employ cost accountants and financial analysts to manage inventory and distribution costs. Hiring spikes during peak seasons.
5. State of Arkansas Agencies: The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) and other state agencies have significant offices in North Little Rock. These are stable government jobs with good benefits, though salaries may be slightly lower than private sector.
6. Local CPA Firms: Firms like Dixon Hughes Goodman (regional presence) and Baker Tilly have offices in the broader Little Rock area. They provide tax, audit, and consulting services, offering the classic public accounting path with a focus on local businesses and non-profits.
7. Major Banks (Bank of America, Arvest Bank): Both have significant operations in the area, hiring for branch accounting, internal audit, and commercial lending support roles.

Hiring Trends: The healthcare sector is the most consistent recruiter. There's also growing demand for accountants with ERP systems experience (like SAP or Oracle) in the logistics and manufacturing sectors.

Getting Licensed in Arkansas

If you're aiming for a CPA license, Arkansas has clear requirements set by the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy.

• Education: A 120-credit hour bachelor's degree is the minimum to sit for the exam, but you need 150 credit hours to be fully licensed. Most candidates get a master's in accounting or a double major to meet this.
• Exam: You must pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG) within an 18-month rolling window.
• Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA is required. Both public and non-public accounting experience is acceptable.
• Ethics Exam: You must pass the Arkansas-specific ethics exam.
• Costs: Expect to spend $1,500 - $2,500 on exam fees, review courses, and the ethics exam. State licensure fees are an additional ~$150.
• Timeline: From starting your 150 credits to getting your license, it typically takes 2-3 years. You can start working with 120 credits while you complete the remaining hours.

Insider Tip: The Arkansas Board is relatively straightforward to deal with. Apply for your Notice to Schedule (NTS) early, as processing can take a few weeks. Local study groups often form through the Arkansas Society of CPAs (ASCPA) chapter.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

North Little Rock offers diverse neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute to the major employers.

1. Hillcrest (Historic District): Charming, walkable, with older bungalows and renovated homes. Close to the River Market and downtown Little Rock (5-10 min commute). Rent for a 1BR is $900 - $1,200. Great for young professionals who want an urban feel.
2. Lakewood: A classic suburb with mid-century homes, good schools, and parks. Very family-friendly. Commute to Baptist Health or Arkansas Children's is about 10-15 minutes. Rent for a 1BR is $850 - $1,100.
3. The Hill: Located on the north side of I-40, this area mixes older homes with newer developments. It's convenient for the Federal Reserve and downtown commutes (10-15 mins). Rent is similar to Lakewood, around $850 - $1,000.
4. Maumelle (West of the City): A planned community with newer homes, golf courses, and a quiet, suburban feel. It's a 20-minute commute to downtown North Little Rock but offers more space for your money. Rent for a 1BR is $1,000 - $1,300.
5. Downtown North Little Rock (Argenta District): The most urban option, with trendy apartments and lofts above restaurants and shops. Walking distance to the Simmons Bank Arena and the Dugan's Pub area. Rent is the highest here: $1,100 - $1,500 for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for accountants in North Little Rock is stable, not explosive. The 4% job growth means you need to be strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: CPAs generally earn 10-20% more than non-CPAs. Specializing in tax, forensic accounting, or IT audit (CISA certification) can push you toward the top of the salary range. With experience, moving into management (Controller, CFO) is the clear path to six-figure salaries.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is: Staff Accountant -> Senior Accountant -> Accounting Manager -> Controller/Finance Director. In public accounting, it's Staff -> Senior -> Manager -> Partner. In North Little Rock, the path to Controller is often faster than in larger cities due to less competition.
• 10-Year Outlook: While overall growth is modest, the healthcare sector will continue to expand, and as small businesses grow, they'll need more sophisticated financial management. The key will be adapting to new technologies (automation, data analytics). Accountants who can bridge the gap between traditional accounting and data analysis will be in high demand.

The Verdict: Is North Little Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further than on the coasts.	Slower Career Pace: Fewer Fortune 500 HQs mean fewer ultra-high-level roles.
Stable Job Market: Healthcare and government provide recession-resistant jobs.	Car Dependency: You'll need a reliable car; public transit is limited.
Strong Work-Life Balance: 40-45 hour weeks are the norm outside of tax season.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: Compared to a major metro, cultural offerings are smaller.
Friendly Networking: The professional community is tight-knit and supportive.	Modest Growth: Don't expect rapid salary jumps or a booming market.
Easy Homeownership: Buying a home is financially feasible early in your career.	Humidity: Summers are hot and humid, which can be an adjustment.

Final Recommendation: North Little Rock is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize financial stability, work-life balance, and affordability. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, raise a family, and build a solid, respected career without the stress of a high-cost, high-competition market. It may not be the best fit for someone seeking the fast-paced, high-earning path of a Wall Street firm or a Silicon Valley startup.

FAQs

Q: Is a CPA license necessary to get a good accounting job in North Little Rock?
A: Not strictly necessary for a good job, but it's highly advantageous. You can secure a solid staff or senior accountant role with a bachelor's degree and experience. However, the median salary of $83,265 is heavily influenced by the higher earnings of CPAs. For management roles (Controller, CFO), a CPA is almost always required.

Q: What's the job market like for non-CPA accountants?
A: There is demand, especially in cost accounting, payroll, and accounts payable/receivable roles, particularly in manufacturing and healthcare. However, career advancement and salary potential are significantly capped without the CPA credential. The 129 jobs in the metro include both CPA and non-CPA positions.

Q: How is the commute from the suburbs to downtown North Little Rock?
A: Generally very manageable. From most suburbs like Lakewood or Maumelle, you're looking at a 15-25 minute commute, mostly on highways (I-40, I-30). Traffic peaks around 7:30-8:30 AM and 4:30-5:30 PM but is nothing like major metros. Avoid living in the western suburbs if your job is at the Arkansas Children's North Little Rock location, as you'll cross the river.

Q: Are there networking opportunities for accountants?
A: Yes, but they're more informal. The Arkansas Society of CPAs (ASCPA) has an active Little Rock chapter with monthly luncheons and events. Many local firms also host mixers. The community is small, so building a reputation through quality work is your best networking tool.

Q: What's the best way to find an accounting job in North Little Rock?
A: Start with local job boards like the Arkansas Job Network. Apply directly on the websites of major employers like Baptist Health and Arkansas Children's. For public accounting, research the local and regional firms. Networking through ASCPA events or LinkedIn connections is also highly effective in this tight-knit market.