Data Analyst in Pine Bluff, AR

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the job market down in the Arkansas Delta, I can tell you that Pine Bluff isn’t a city you stumble upon—it’s a place you choose. For Data Analysts, it offers a unique blend of low cost of living, a stable (if small) job market, and a rhythm that’s a world away from the hustle of Little Rock or Fayetteville. If you’re considering a move here, you’re likely looking for affordability and a chance to make a tangible impact without the noise of a major metro. This guide breaks down exactly what that life looks like, from paychecks to neighborhoods.

The Salary Picture: Where Pine Bluff Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers, because they tell a clear story. The data for Data Analysts in the Pine Bluff metro area shows a median salary of $79,983/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.45/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, but the cost of living here makes that difference feel negligible in practice. The job market is tight but growing, with an estimated 80 jobs in the metro and a 10-year job growth of 36%—a promising sign for long-term stability.

Here’s how experience typically translates into earnings in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Estimated Salary Range (Pine Bluff)
Entry-Level	Junior Data Analyst	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Career	Data Analyst	$70,000 - $85,000
Senior-Level	Senior Data Analyst	$85,000 - $100,000
Expert/Lead	Analytics Manager	$100,000 - $120,000+

Note: Ranges are estimates based on local market patterns and the provided median.

Insider Tip: In Pine Bluff, you’ll often wear multiple hats. A "Data Analyst" might also be responsible for basic IT support, report building in Excel, and even light database administration. This breadth of experience can be a huge accelerator for your resume if you play it right.

Compared to other Arkansas cities, Pine Bluff’s salary is competitive for its size. It sits above entry-level wages in smaller rural towns but below the salaries you’d command in Little Rock or Northwest Arkansas, where the tech and corporate sectors are denser. However, the cost of living index of 86.5 (US avg = 100) means your dollar stretches much further here. You could be making $80k in Pine Bluff and feel financially ahead of someone making $95k in Little Rock.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $79,983 is a gross figure. To understand your actual purchasing power, we need to account for taxes and housing. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single Data Analyst earning the median wage.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$6,665	$79,983 / 12
Take-Home Pay (After Taxes)	~$5,100	Assumes single filer, standard deduction, AR state tax (~4.5%)
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$690	Citywide average (see neighborhoods below)
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)	$180	Higher in summer due to AC
Groceries	$350
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$550	Car is essential in Pine Bluff; public transit is limited
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$300	Varies by employer
Retirement Savings (401k Match)	$400	Aim for at least 5-6% of salary
Discretionary Spending	$1,630	Eating out, entertainment, savings, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home of $5,100 and housing costs that are a fraction of the national norm, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in the Pine Bluff metro is around $130,000 - $150,000. A 20% down payment ($26k-$30k) could be saved in under 3 years with disciplined budgeting. A monthly mortgage payment on a $140k home (with 10% down) would be roughly $800-$900, which is only slightly more than the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Where the Jobs Are: Pine Bluff's Major Employers

The Data Analyst role here is more anchored in established, large-scale organizations than in start-ups. The job market is driven by healthcare, education, government, and historic manufacturing. Here are the key players:

1. UAMS Medical Center (Pine Bluff Regional Campus): A major hub for healthcare data. They need analysts to track patient outcomes, manage operational efficiency, and handle public health data. Hiring is steady, often tied to grant funding.
2. Regional One Health (formerly Jefferson Regional Medical Center): Another key healthcare employer. Their IT and quality improvement departments are primary sources of analyst roles, focusing on patient flow, billing data, and clinical metrics.
3. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB): A land-grant university with a growing need for analysts in enrollment, financial aid, and accreditation reporting. Positions here offer great stability and state benefits.
4. Pine Bluff School District: Manages a large dataset on student performance, attendance, and budget allocation. Analysts here work closely with administrators and often need a blend of statistical knowledge and educational context.
5. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) - Arkansas Regional Office (Pine Bluff): A major federal employer. The DVA processes a vast amount of claims data. Analysts here work on process improvement, fraud detection, and trend analysis. Federal jobs are competitive but offer excellent long-term security.
6. Local Government (City of Pine Bluff & Jefferson County): City planners, public works, and the sheriff's office all rely on data for budgeting, resource allocation, and crime analysis. These roles often appear on government job boards.
7. Legacy Manufacturing & Logistics: While the iconic Pine Bluff Arsenal is now a major contractor site (not a direct employer for most), the surrounding industrial and logistics companies (like those in the Pine Bluff Industrial Park) need analysts for supply chain, inventory, and operational data.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward hybrid roles. Employers want analysts who can not only pull numbers but also communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders. A candidate who can build a dashboard in Tableau and explain it to a hospital administrator has a distinct advantage.

Getting Licensed in AR

For Data Analysts, there is no state-mandated license to practice. However, professional certifications are critically important for career advancement and are often a de facto requirement for senior roles.

• State-Specific Requirements: Arkansas has no specific licensing for data analysts. Your credibility comes from your degree (typically a Bachelor’s in Statistics, Computer Science, Business, or a related field) and certifications.
• Key Certifications (Costs & Timeline):
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera): Cost ~$49/month. Can be completed in 3-6 months. Excellent for beginners.
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: Exam cost ~$165. Prep time: 1-3 months. Highly valued in corporate and government settings.
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist: Exam cost ~$100. Prep time: 1-2 months. Useful for roles in academia and healthcare.
  • Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): More advanced. Requires experience. Exam cost ~$695. A strong signal for senior/managerial track.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you're starting from scratch, you can be job-ready with a basic certificate (like Google's) in 4-6 months. For a mid-career professional moving to Pine Bluff, focusing on a Power BI or Tableau cert (1-3 months of study) while applying can give you a local edge.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Pine Bluff is a city of distinct neighborhoods, and your choice will affect your commute and lifestyle. Most data jobs are clustered around the university, medical centers, and downtown/government offices.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Historic Downtown	Walkable, artsy, near the Arts & Science Center. Commute to most offices is under 10 mins.	$750 - $900	Young professionals who want urban energy and a short walk to work.
Lakewood	Quiet, residential, near UAPB and the lake. Safe, well-established. Commute is easy via I-530.	$650 - $800	Those seeking a peaceful, suburban feel with a quick drive to the university/jobs.
Pine Bluff South	Family-oriented, older homes, close to the VA and major medical centers. Very low traffic.	$600 - $750	Analysts working at UAMS, Regional One, or the DVA. Maximum convenience.
The Altheimer/Sherman area	More rural, lower cost. Requires a car and longer commutes (15-25 mins) to main job hubs.	$500 - $650	For those prioritizing extreme affordability and don't mind the drive.

Neighborhood Insight: The rental market is tight. Many quality apartments are in older buildings or converted homes. Use local Facebook groups like "Pine Bluff Rentals" or "Jefferson County, AR - Rentals" to find deals that don't make it to Zillow.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Pine Bluff, career growth is less about jumping companies and more about deepening your expertise within an organization. The 10-year outlook is positive, with 36% job growth projected, but it will be concentrated in specific areas.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare Analytics: With UAMS and Regional One, analysts with knowledge of HIPAA, clinical data standards, and public health metrics command a premium.
  • Public Sector/Government: Familiarity with federal reporting standards (like those for the VA) or municipal budgeting processes is a huge asset.
  • Educational Analytics: Expertise in student information systems (SIS) and learning management system (LMS) data is niche and valuable at UAPB and the school district.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from a Junior Analyst to a Senior Analyst, then into a Data Manager or Business Intelligence (BI) Lead role. The next step is often Director of Institutional Research (at a university), Director of Quality & Analytics (in healthcare), or a City/County Planning Director. Salaries at this level can exceed $100,000, putting you in the top tier of local earners.

• 10-Year Outlook: The growth will be driven by digital transformation in established industries. Healthcare will always need data for cost control and patient care. Government and education are increasingly data-driven for accountability and efficiency. The key will be adapting to new tools (AI, machine learning) while maintaining the relational skills needed in a close-knit community.

The Verdict: Is Pine Bluff Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes far. Homeownership is very attainable.	Limited Job Market: Only ~80 jobs. You may have to be flexible on role or wait for openings.
Meaningful Work: Impact is direct and visible in healthcare, education, and community services.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable car. Public transit is not viable for daily commuting.
Strong Community: Networking is easier. You’ll know people in your field quickly.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: If you crave big-city amenities, you’ll be driving to Little Rock (50 mins).
Stable Employers: Government, universities, and hospitals offer good benefits and job security.	Slower Pace: Career advancement can be slower than in tech hubs; relationships matter more.

Final Recommendation: Pine Bluff is an excellent choice for a Data Analyst who values stability, affordability, and work-life balance over the fast-paced, high-salary grind of a major tech city. It's ideal for those early in their career who want to build a strong, diverse skill set, or for mid-career professionals looking to stretch their salary and buy a home. If you're a self-starter who can network within a few key employers and doesn't mind a quieter lifestyle, Pine Bluff offers a rare combination of financial comfort and professional purpose.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car in Pine Bluff?
A: Yes, absolutely. The city is spread out, and there is no viable public transportation system for commuting. A reliable car is non-negotiable.

Q: How competitive is the job market for Data Analysts here?
A: It's not as competitive as in major metros in terms of applicant volume, but each opening is highly valued. With only ~80 jobs, you need to tailor your applications carefully and network directly with managers at key employers (UAMS, UAPB, City Government).

Q: Is remote work an option?
A: Yes, but it's not the norm. Most local employers prefer in-office or hybrid work, especially in government and healthcare where data security is paramount. However, with the right skills, you may find remote roles with companies based elsewhere while living in Pine Bluff for the low cost of living.

Q: What's the best way to network in a small city?
A: Join professional groups like the Arkansas Chapter of the Data & Analytics Association (they have virtual events). Attend University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) career fairs, even as an alum or professional. The local Chamber of Commerce events are also valuable for connecting with business leaders.

Q: Will my federal student loans be manageable here?
A: Yes. The median salary of $79,983 combined with the low cost of living makes debt repayment much easier. Programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) are also highly applicable, as many major employers (UAMS, VA, UAPB, public schools) are qualifying employers.