Data Analyst in Little Rock, AR

The Salary Picture: Where Little Rock Stands

If you're crunching numbers for a living, you want clear data on your potential earnings. In Little Rock, the numbers paint a picture of a solid, affordable market with room for growth. The median salary for a Data Analyst here is $80,634/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.77/hour. This sits just below the national average of $83,360/year, but the lower cost of living more than makes up for the slight gap. The metro area supports 407 data analyst jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at a robust 36%—a sign that the field is expanding faster than the national average.

To give you a clearer sense of where you might land, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown for the area. These ranges are based on local job postings, recruiter insights, and regional salary surveys.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Little Rock)	Common Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Data cleaning, basic reporting, SQL queries, assisting senior analysts.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Owns reporting dashboards, performs statistical analysis, manages smaller projects.
Senior-Level (5-8 years)	$85,000 - $105,000	Leads projects, mentors juniors, advanced modeling, cross-department collaboration.
Expert/Lead (8+ years)	$105,000 - $130,000+	Strategy development, advanced ML/AI, stakeholder management, departmental leadership.

When you compare Little Rock to other Arkansas cities, the picture gets interesting. In Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers (the Northwest Arkansas metro), salaries are often 10-15% higher due to the presence of Walmart, Tyson, and JB Hunt. However, the cost of living there has also risen sharply. Fort Smith and Jonesboro have smaller job markets with lower salaries, typically 5-10% below Little Rock. For a balanced mix of opportunity and affordability, Little Rock is the state's anchor.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. The median salary of $80,634 is a gross figure. After federal, state (4.4% flat rate in Arkansas), and FICA taxes, a single filer can expect take-home pay of roughly $62,000 - $64,000 annually, or about $5,150 - $5,300 per month. This is a conservative estimate that doesn't account for pre-tax deductions like health insurance or 401(k).

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the Little Rock metro is $950/month. The Cost of Living Index is 89.1 (US average = 100), meaning you get about 11% more purchasing power than the national average.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Data Analyst earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,200	After taxes, single filer, no dependents.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$950	City median. Can range from $750 to $1,300+ depending on neighborhood.
Utilities	$200	Electricity, water, internet.
Groceries	$350	Slightly below national average.
Transportation	$400	Car payment, gas, insurance (public transit is limited).
Healthcare	$250	Employer-subsidized plan.
Entertainment/Dining	$400	A mix of local eateries, bars, and events.
Savings/Debt	$2,650	You can easily save $1,500+/month while living comfortably.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $2,650 in monthly surplus, a down payment is attainable. The median home price in the Little Rock area is around $190,000 - $220,000. A 20% down payment ($38,000 - $44,000) could be saved in 2-3 years with disciplined budgeting. Monthly mortgage payments on a $200,000 home are often comparable to rent, especially with today's rates. For a Data Analyst with stable employment, homeownership is a realistic mid-term goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Little Rock's Major Employers

Little Rock's economy is anchored by healthcare, logistics, and government. Data analysts are critical in all these sectors. Here are the primary employers you should target:

1. Arkansas Children's Hospital: A national leader in pediatric care. Their data science team works on patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and clinical research. They often hire analysts with healthcare or public health backgrounds.
2. CHI St. Vincent / Baptist Health: The two main hospital systems in the city. They have massive datasets for patient care, billing, and supply chain logistics. Baptist Health, in particular, has a large IT and analytics division.
3. Acxiom Corporation: A global data and marketing technology company headquartered in Little Rock. This is a pure-play data environment. They hire analysts for data governance, client analytics, and platform development. Insider Tip: Acxiom is the "tech hub" of Arkansas. Working there opens doors nationally.
4. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS): A major research institution. They need analysts for clinical trial data, public health studies, and administrative planning. Strong preference for those with advanced degrees or research experience.
5. State of Arkansas Government: Departments like the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Arkansas Department of Health, and the state's IT division (AIT) hire analysts for budgeting, program evaluation, and public data reporting. Jobs are stable but salaries are often at the lower end of the range.
6. Dillard's Inc.: The national retail chain is headquartered in Little Rock. Their data team focuses on inventory management, sales forecasting, and e-commerce analytics.
7. Westrock Coffee Company: A rapidly growing beverage manufacturer with a major presence in the area. They need analysts for supply chain optimization, production efficiency, and market data.

Hiring Trends: The healthcare and tech (Acxiom) sectors are the most active. There's a growing demand for analysts with Python, R, and SQL skills, and those who can translate data into actionable business insights. Government jobs are stable but often have longer hiring processes. Networking through local groups like Arkansas Data Analytics professionals on LinkedIn can be invaluable.

Getting Licensed in AR

For traditional data analyst roles, no state-specific license is required. Arkansas does not license data analysts in the way it licenses accountants or engineers. Your credentials will be your degree, portfolio, and certifications.

However, if you're interested in adjacent fields, note the following:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA): If you lean toward financial data analysis, you would need to follow the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy requirements (education, exam, experience).
• Project Management Professional (PMP): A valuable certification for senior analysts managing projects. It's nationally recognized and not state-specific.

Costs & Timeline:

• Education: A bachelor's in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or Business is the standard entry point. Local universities include UALR and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
• Certifications: Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (online, ~$50/month) or Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate (exam fee ~$165) are excellent, affordable starting points.
• Timeline: If you have a relevant degree, you can start applying immediately. If you're switching careers, a 6-month bootcamp or online certification program can prepare you for entry-level roles.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Little Rock is geographically split by the Arkansas River. Commuting is generally easy by car, but choosing the right neighborhood balances lifestyle, budget, and proximity to employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Hillcrest	Historic, walkable, near downtown. Quirky shops, cafes, and bars. 10-15 min to most offices.	$900 - $1,200	Young professionals who want a vibrant, established neighborhood close to work.
Midtown / Stifft's Station	Up-and-coming, more residential than Hillcrest, with newer bars and restaurants. Easy I-630 access.	$850 - $1,100	Those seeking a quieter vibe but still want walkability and a short commute.
The Heights / Hillcrest	Upscale, quiet, and family-friendly. Known for beautiful old homes and top-rated schools.	$1,000 - $1,500+	Analysts with families or who prefer a serene, established community.
Downtown / River Market	Urban, lively, riverfront views. Walkable to restaurants, the Capitol, and the Clinton Library.	$1,100 - $1,600	Those who want an urban loft experience and don't mind a higher rent.
West Little Rock	Suburban, modern apartments, big box stores, and chain restaurants. Easy access to I-430.	$950 - $1,300	Commuters who work in the medical district or at Acxiom and prefer newer amenities.

Insider Tip: If you work at Acxiom (located in West Little Rock), living in the Hillcrest/Midtown area means crossing I-630, which can add 10-15 minutes to your commute during rush hour. West Little Rock apartments offer a direct, shorter commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Little Rock offers a clear path for advancement, though the ceiling can be lower than in major coastal tech hubs.

• Specialty Premiums: Specializing can boost your income. Healthcare data analysts (especially with clinical knowledge) can command a 10-15% premium. Supply chain analysts in the manufacturing/logistics sector (e.g., Westrock, Acxiom's supply chain clients) are also in high demand. Machine Learning Engineers (a step above analyst) can see salaries jump to $110,000+, but these roles are fewer and more competitive.
• Advancement Paths: The typical trajectory is: Junior Analyst → Analyst → Senior Analyst → Analytics Manager/Lead. From there, you might move into Business Intelligence Manager, Data Science Manager, or a strategic role like Director of Analytics. The key is to move from describing data to prescribing business actions.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 36% projected job growth, the field is healthy. Little Rock's low cost of living will likely continue to attract companies looking to establish data teams. The growth will be strongest in healthcare (UAMS, Arkansas Children's) and tech (Acxiom, potential fintech). The main challenge for long-term growth is the relatively small size of the executive tier; some may need to relocate to advance to C-level data roles.

The Verdict: Is Little Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your salary stretches far, allowing for high savings or homeownership.	Limited Senior Roles: The ceiling for executive data positions is lower than in tech hubs.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by healthcare and government, offering recession-resistant careers.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity for most residents.
Growing, Not Saturated: The 36% growth means opportunity without the fierce competition of Austin or Denver.	Smaller Tech Community: Fewer meetups and networking events compared to larger cities.
Manageable Commutes & Traffic: A far cry from major metropolitan gridlock.	Cultural & Political Landscape: Arkansas is conservative; may not appeal to everyone.
Strong Sense of Community: It's easier to build a network here than in a sprawling, anonymous city.	Limited Diversity in Industries: Your options are concentrated in healthcare, logistics, and government.

Final Recommendation: Little Rock is an ideal choice for data analysts who prioritize work-life balance, financial stability, and a strong sense of community over chasing the highest possible salary ceiling. It's perfect for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home or raise a family, and for recent graduates who want to launch their careers in a supportive, affordable market. If your goal is to work at a cutting-edge AI startup, you might look elsewhere. But if you want to have a major impact in a stable, growing field while enjoying Southern hospitality and a comfortable lifestyle, Little Rock is a data-backed winner.

FAQs

1. Do I need a master's degree to get a job here?
No. A bachelor's degree is the standard entry requirement, especially for roles in healthcare and government. Many successful analysts have degrees in business, economics, or other fields, supplemented with certifications and a strong portfolio. A master's (e.g., in Data Science or Business Analytics) can help for senior or research-oriented roles at places like UAMS.

2. How is the tech community for networking?
It's smaller but tight-knit. The best ways to connect are through local chapters of national groups (like the Arkansas chapter of the Data & Analytics Professional Association) and events hosted by the Little Rock Technology Park. Acxiom also hosts occasional public tech talks. Be prepared for more one-on-one networking than large conference-style events.

3. What's the work culture like?
In corporate (Acxiom, Dillard's) and healthcare settings, it's a standard professional environment with more emphasis on stability than "hustle culture." Government jobs are very structured. The overall vibe is collaborative but conservative. Work-life balance is generally respected; 40-45 hour weeks are common.

4. Is it easy to switch industries here?
Yes, the skills are transferable. Moving from a healthcare analytics role to a logistics role (e.g., at Westrock) is feasible because the core tools (SQL, Python, visualization) are the same. However, you may need to learn industry-specific knowledge (e.g., FDA regulations for healthcare, supply chain KPIs for logistics). The overlap in employers—many analysts work in healthcare but support logistics projects within the system—makes pivoting more manageable.

5. What's the biggest surprise for new data analysts moving to Little Rock?
The pace of life. The city feels unhurried. Meetings start on time, but there's less of the frantic, "always-on" energy found in larger tech scenes. This can be a welcome relief for some, but others might find it less stimulating. The trade-off is the ability to have a meaningful career without sacrificing your personal time or budget.