Financial Analyst in North Little Rock, AR

The Salary Picture: Where North Little Rock Stands

As a local, I can tell you that North Little Rock’s job market for financial analysts is stable but not explosive. It’s a classic mid-sized market with a cost of living that’s a genuine advantage. Let’s get straight to the numbers.

The median salary for a Financial Analyst in North Little Rock is $95,772/year, which breaks down to a solid hourly rate of $46.04/hour. This places you slightly below the national average of $99,010/year, but don't let that fool you. When you factor in the cost of living, that local salary goes much further.

To give you a clearer picture of career progression, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown for our area. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry conversations, anchoring to the provided median.

Experience Level	Estimated Years of Experience	Typical Local Salary Range	Key Responsibilities in NLR
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $80,000	Data entry, basic financial modeling, supporting senior analysts, preparing standard reports.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$85,000 - $110,000	Building complex models, leading budgeting cycles, presenting findings to management, mentoring juniors.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$110,000 - $140,000	Strategic planning, M&A analysis, departmental leadership, high-level stakeholder reporting.
Expert/Manager	15+ years	$135,000+	Director-level oversight, driving corporate finance strategy, extensive P&L responsibility.

Compared to other Arkansas cities, North Little Rock offers a unique middle ground. Little Rock (the downtown metro core) has more corporate headquarters and slightly higher salaries (median around $98,500), but with a higher cost of living and longer commutes. Fayetteville-Springdale and Bentonville, powered by Walmart and its supply chain, command higher salaries for specialized roles (often exceeding $105,000 median) but also have some of the highest housing costs in the state. Fort Smith offers lower salaries but also the lowest cost of living. North Little Rock provides a balanced option with strong access to the larger Little Rock job market without the premium price tag.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk about what that $95,772 feels like in your pocket. This is where North Little Rock’s value proposition becomes clear.

Assuming you’re filing as a single filer with no dependents, here’s a rough monthly breakdown for a Financial Analyst earning the median salary:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $7,981
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State AR): ~$1,950
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,031

Now, let’s layer in the local cost of living. The average 1BR rent in North Little Rock is $950/month. Using the recommended 30% rule for housing, your ideal rent is $1,809/month. This means you have significant flexibility. A $950 rent would only consume about 16% of your net income, leaving you with substantial savings and discretionary funds.

Insider Tip: Many analysts in the area live in newer apartment complexes in Park Hill or Levy for under $1,100 for a 1BR, which still leaves you with over $4,900 for everything else. This is a far more comfortable position than in markets like Fayetteville, where that same rent would be closer to $1,300+.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home of ~$6,031, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of $1,500 - $1,800 is very feasible. Given the Cost of Living Index of 89.1 (US avg = 100), a median-priced home in North Little Rock (roughly $220,000 - $260,000) is within reach for a mid-level analyst with a down payment. Neighborhoods like Indian Hills or Woodland Edge offer good value for professionals.

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

The job market here is anchored by healthcare, logistics, and regional corporate offices. There are 129 Financial Analyst jobs in the metro area (Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway), a number that has been relatively stable. The 10-year job growth is 9%, which is modest but positive, indicating steady demand rather than boom-and-bust cycles.

Here are the key local employers you should have on your radar:

1. Arkansas Children's Hospital (North Little Rock Campus): A major employer with a constant need for financial analysts in revenue cycle management, grant accounting, and operational finance. Their growth is steady, driven by expanding services.
2. Baptist Health Medical Center (North Little Rock): Another healthcare giant. They hire for cost accounting, budgeting, and financial planning roles. The move towards value-based care has increased the need for analysts who can model patient outcomes against costs.
3. Dillard's Inc. (Corporate HQ in Little Rock): While the HQ is downtown, it's a 10-minute drive across the river. Dillard's is a massive local employer for finance roles, from retail analytics to corporate finance. This is a career destination for many local analysts.
4. Windstream Communications: Headquartered in Little Rock, this telecom company has a significant presence in the financial sector, hiring for roles in FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis), treasury, and investor relations.
5. The USA Truck (Now part of Knight-Swift): Based in nearby Van Buren but with a significant local footprint, this logistics company relies heavily on financial analysts for freight cost analysis, route profitability, and driver compensation models.
6. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS): Located in Little Rock, it's a major research and healthcare institution with a complex budgeting and grant management system, creating a steady demand for analysts.
7. State Government (Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration): Located in downtown Little Rock, the state offers stable, pension-eligible analyst positions focused on budget analysis, tax forecasting, and public finance.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward analysts who are proficient in Excel (VBA, Power Query), SQL, and data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI). Experience with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle is a plus for larger organizations. The local market values stability and loyalty; job hopping is less common than in tech hubs.

Getting Licensed in AR

For most Financial Analyst roles (FP&A, corporate finance), no specific state license is required. However, credentials can significantly boost your salary and prospects. The most recognized is the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, administered by the CFA Institute.

• State Requirements: Arkansas does not have a state-specific financial analyst license. The Arkansas Securities Department regulates investment advisors and brokers, but not internal corporate analysts.
• CFA Pathway (The Gold Standard):
  • Cost: Exam fees are approximately $1,250 - $1,500 per level (three levels total). Add study materials (~$500-$1,000) and potential prep courses.
  • Timeline: It typically takes 1.5 to 4 years to complete all three levels. Exams are offered in February, May, August, and November.
  • Value in NLR: A CFA charter can command a 10-20% salary premium in the local market, especially for roles at Dillard’s, Windstream, or in investment management. It's a differentiator that signals deep expertise.
• Other Certifications: The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is highly valued for cost and management accounting roles, particularly in manufacturing and healthcare. The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is essential if you want to pivot into audit or tax, but overkill for pure financial analysis.

Insider Tip: Many local firms, like Baptist Health and Dillard's, offer tuition reimbursement for these certifications. Always ask about this during your interview process—it can save you thousands.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

North Little Rock and its neighboring areas offer distinct lifestyles. Here’s a local’s guide to the best spots for analysts, balancing commute, lifestyle, and cost.

1. Park Hill: The quintessential "in-the-city" neighborhood. You're close to the Maumelle River bridge, downtown North Little Rock, and I-30. It's walkable to local restaurants and has a mix of classic bungalows and newer townhomes. Average 1BR Rent: $975/month. Commute to Baptist Health/Arkansas Children's: 5-10 minutes.
2. Levy: A quiet, family-friendly suburb with excellent public schools (North Little Rock School District). It's a short drive to the McCain Mall area and I-40, making it easy to reach downtown Little Rock employers. Average 1BR Rent: $1,025/month. Commute to Dillard's HQ: 15-20 minutes.
3. Indian Hills: Located in Little Rock proper (across the river), this is an upscale, established neighborhood with mature trees and larger homes. It's where many senior executives at local companies live. Average 1BR Rent (in adjacent areas): $1,100/month. Commute to any NLR employer: 10-15 minutes.
4. The Heights (Little Rock): While more expensive, The Heights is the premier professional neighborhood in Central Arkansas. It has a high concentration of lawyers, doctors, and finance professionals. The commute to NLR is easy via I-630. Average 1BR Rent: $1,250+/month. Commute to NLR: 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.
5. Woodland Edge (Little Rock): A newer, master-planned community in West Little Rock. It's popular with young professionals and new families. Offers modern amenities and a very short commute to the airport and I-430 corridor where some tech and finance firms are located. Average 1BR Rent: $1,150/month. Commute to NLR: 20-30 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The path for a financial analyst in North Little Rock is more about depth than dramatic vertical leaps. The 10-year job growth of 9% suggests you won't see a flood of new positions, but the existing roles will deepen in complexity.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare Analytics: With three major hospital systems, analysts who understand revenue cycle, DRGs (Diagnosis-Related Groups), and value-based care models are in high demand. This specialty can add $10,000-$15,000 to your base salary.
  • Supply Chain & Retail Analytics (Dillard's): Expertise in inventory turnover, SKU profitability, and vendor negotiations is critical. This is a niche that can lead to high-visibility roles.
  • Public Finance: Working for the state or city offers unparalleled job security and a pension (LEOSA), but salaries may be slightly below corporate median.

• Advancement Paths: The most common path is from Financial Analyst -> Senior Financial Analyst -> Finance Manager -> Director of Finance/FP&A. From there, you might move into a Controller role or a strategic VP of Finance position, especially at a mid-sized company. The key is to gain exposure to the full business cycle and build a reputation for reliable, insightful analysis.

• 10-Year Outlook: The market will remain stable. Automation will handle more of the data collection, making modeling, storytelling, and strategic advisory skills more valuable. The local economy is diversified enough (healthcare, retail, logistics) to avoid major downturns. Long-term growth will come from specialization and moving into leadership, not from a surge in entry-level openings.

The Verdict: Is North Little Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $95,772 salary affords a high quality of life with significant savings potential.	Limited High-Growth Sectors: Tech and finance hubs are absent; growth is steady, not explosive.
Short Commutes: Most commutes are under 20 minutes, improving work-life balance.	Smaller Network: The professional network is tight-knit and can be harder to break into as an outsider.
Stable Job Market: Employers like hospitals and Dillard's offer long-term stability.	Salary Ceiling: Top-tier salaries are lower than in major metros like Dallas or Chicago.
Access to Big-City Amenities: Being part of the Little Rock metro gives you access to professional sports, an airport, and cultural events without the big-city price tag.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity; the city is spread out.
No State License Hassle: Easier to start work and focus on valuable certifications like the CFA.	The "Two Cities" Dynamic: Navigating the Little Rock/North Little Rock divide can be confusing for newcomers.

Final Recommendation: North Little Rock is an ideal choice for a mid-career financial analyst seeking a high quality of life, affordability, and stability over high-risk, high-reward growth. It's perfect for those who value a short commute, want to buy a home, and appreciate access to nature and a friendly community. It's less suitable for those seeking rapid career progression in a cutthroat, high-velocity industry like tech or investment banking.

FAQs

1. Do I need to live in North Little Rock to work there?
Not at all. Many analysts live in Little Rock (across the river) and commute. The core metro area is compact, and traffic is minimal. Living in The Heights or Hillcrest in Little Rock gives you a different lifestyle while keeping commutes short.

2. Is the job market competitive?
Moderately. With only 129 posted jobs, openings can be competitive. However, the candidate pool is also smaller than in major metros. Having a strong resume and local connections (through LinkedIn or the Arkansas Society of CPAs) is a big advantage. Tailor your application to highlight healthcare or retail experience if applying to those sectors.

3. What's the best way to network locally?
Join the Arkansas Society of CPAs (ASCPA), even if you're not a CPA. They host regular networking events in Little Rock. The CFA Society Arkansas is another excellent group. Also, consider attending events at the Little Rock Technology Park or business seminars hosted by the Little Rock Regional Chamber.

4. How important is a car?
Essential. Public transportation (Rock Region Metro) exists but is not reliable for daily commuting. The city is designed for cars. Factor in a car payment, insurance ($120/month), and gas ($100/month) into your budget.

5. Can I work remotely for a company outside Arkansas?
Yes, and many do. The lower cost of living makes North Little Rock a great base for remote roles. However, be aware of tax implications and ensure the company is set up to employ in Arkansas. Remote opportunities can provide a salary bump while letting you enjoy the local cost of living.