Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Little Rock, AR

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) considering North Little Rock, Arkansas. As a local, I've structured this to give you the real picture—not the glossy brochure version. We'll look at the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the day-to-day reality of working in healthcare in the River City.

The Salary Picture: Where North Little Rock Stands

First, let's talk numbers. The median salary for an LPN in the North Little Rock metro area is $52,833 per year. That translates to an hourly rate of $52,833 / 2080 hours = $25.4 per hour. For context, the national average for an LPN is $54,620/year, meaning you're earning slightly below the national benchmark. However, this is offset by a lower cost of living (more on that later).

Here's a realistic breakdown of salary progression based on experience level in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (North Little Rock)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $50,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$50,000 - $58,000
Senior/Lead	8-15 years	$58,000 - $65,000
Expert/Supervisor	15+ years	$65,000 - $72,000+

How does this compare to other Arkansas cities?

• Little Rock (the immediate metro): Slightly higher, with a median around $53,500. The jump isn't huge, but the competition for jobs can be fiercer.
• Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers (NWA): Significantly higher, with a median closer to $56,000. This is due to the larger hospital systems and higher cost of living in that region.
• Jonesboro: Comparable to North Little Rock, with a median around $51,500.

Insider Tip: The $25.4/hour is your baseline. Night shift, weekend, and holiday differentials can add $3 to $6 per hour in many facilities. Working a weekend package (every other weekend) can be a lucrative way to boost your annual income without a promotion.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $52,833 sounds manageable, but let's break down the monthly reality. We'll use the provided local data: average 1BR rent of $950/month and a Cost of Living Index of 89.1 (meaning the city is about 10.9% cheaper than the national average).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an LPN (Single Filer, No Dependents):

• Gross Monthly Income (before tax): $52,833 / 12 = $4,403
• Estimated Take-Home Pay (after federal, state, & FICA taxes): ~ $3,300 - $3,450 (varies by deductions)
• Rent (1BR Apartment): $950
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $200 - $250
• Groceries: $300 - $350
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $400 - $500 (North Little Rock is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): $150 - $250
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment/Savings: $400 - $600

Net Result: After essentials, you are left with a modest buffer for savings, hobbies, or debt repayment. It's a comfortable living, but not one with a lot of excess.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in North Little Rock is around $180,000 - $220,000. With a 5% down payment, your mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,200 - $1,400 per month. This is $250 - $450 more than renting. For an LPN earning the median, this is tight but doable with a good credit score and minimal other debt. It's more feasible for mid-career or senior LPNs with a partner's income.

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

North Little Rock's healthcare scene is dominated by a few major players and several niche providers. The job market is decent, with approximately 129 LPN jobs posted in the metro at any given time (a figure that fluctuates but indicates steady demand).

1. Arkansas Children's Hospital (NLR Campus): Located off I-30, this is a premier specialty employer. They often hire LPNs for their outpatient clinics and day surgery units. Hiring trends favor candidates with pediatric experience or a strong desire to work with kids. Pay is generally at the higher end of the local scale.

2. Baptist Health Medical Center (North Little Rock): The flagship hospital in the area. They are a massive employer for all healthcare roles. LPN positions are available in med-surg, long-term care (they have a connected facility), and outpatient departments. They have a reputation for good benefits and structured career ladders.

3. CHI St. Vincent (Infirmary & Specialty Clinics): While the main hospital is in Little Rock, their presence in NLR is significant, especially in urgent care and specialty clinics. They often hire LPNs for clinic settings, which offer a more predictable Monday-Friday schedule.

4. Lifepoint Health (Various Skilled Nursing Facilities): Lifepoint operates several skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers in the area, such as North Hills Medical Center. These are often the highest-volume employers for LPNs, especially in long-term care. Hiring is constant, and they are often willing to train new grads.

5. The Pointe at Rock Island: This is a large senior living community that includes independent living, assisted living, and memory care. LPNs here work in the assisted living wings and memory care units. The environment is less acute than a hospital, and schedules are often set (no nights/weekends for some positions).

6. Local FQHCs & Urgent Cares: Look into The Centers for Youth & Families or Arkansas Medical Clinic. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serve low-income populations and often have LPN roles in their primary care clinics. They offer a different pace and mission.

Insider Tip: Many long-term care facilities are experiencing chronic staffing shortages. This can mean mandatory overtime (in some cases) but also opportunities for overtime pay. It's a high-stress environment but can be a fast track to leadership roles like Charge Nurse or Unit Manager.

Getting Licensed in Arkansas

If you're licensed in another state, you'll need to apply for licensure by endorsement through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN).

• Process: Submit an online application, verification of your original license from your home state, and proof of your current employment (if applicable). You must also complete a 2-hour course on the rules and regulations of the Arkansas Nursing Board.
• Cost: Application fee is $150. The background check is $50. Total: ~$200.
• Timeline: The process can take 4-8 weeks. Start your application at least two months before your planned move.
• For New Grads: You must pass the NCLEX-PN. Arkansas participates in the NCLEX and typically issues your license within 2-3 weeks of passing the exam. You can apply for a temporary permit to work under supervision while waiting for your official license.

Resource: Arkansas State Board of Nursing (www.arsbn.org) – This is your definitive source. Bookmark it.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

North Little Rock has distinct neighborhoods with different vibes and commute times to major hospitals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Approx. 1BR Rent	Commute to Major Hospitals
Hillcrest	Historic, walkable, near the AR Children's Hospital. Mix of young professionals and families. Older homes, some apartments.	$950 - $1,100	5-10 mins to Children's, 15 mins to Baptist Health NLR
Indian Hills	Quiet, residential, middle-class. Primarily single-family homes. Good for families. Slightly further from amenities.	$900 - $1,050	15-20 mins to most employers.
Park Hill	Up-and-coming, close to the Riverfront and McCain Mall. More affordable apartments and newer townhomes.	$850 - $1,000	10-15 mins to most employers. Good access to I-30.
Birchwood	Affordable, no-frills apartment complexes and older homes. Central location, easy access to everything.	$800 - $950	10-20 mins to most employers.
The Quapaw Quarter (Little Rock)	Technically in LR, but adjacent. Historic, charming, walkable to downtown LR. More expensive.	$1,100 - $1,400	15-25 mins to NLR employers, but 5 mins to Baptist Health LR.

Insider Tip: If you're new to the area, consider a 6-month lease in Birchwood or Park Hill. These are central and affordable, giving you time to explore and decide where you'd really like to live once you understand your commute and job location.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While your salary starts at $52,833, you can strategically increase your earnings and move into higher roles.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay bump comes from pediatrics (Arkansas Children's) and geriatrics/long-term care management. Skilled nursing facilities also pay more for LPNs with ventilator or tracheostomy care certifications.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Charge Nurse (LPN): A leadership role within your unit. Pay bump of $2-$4/hour.
  2. LPN to RN Bridge: This is the most common career move. Several local community colleges (like Pulaski Technical College) offer accredited bridge programs. An RN salary in the area is $65,000 - $75,000+.
  3. Clinic/Case Management: Move from the bedside to a clinic role (M-F, no weekends) or into home health case management. Pay is similar but quality of life is often better.
• 10-Year Outlook: The BLS projects 5% job growth for LPNs nationally, which is about average. In Arkansas, the demand will be driven by an aging population and rural healthcare needs. Arkansas has a persistent LPN shortage, ensuring job security. However, the field is becoming more competitive for higher-paying hospital jobs. Specializing or getting your RN will be increasingly important for long-term career and salary growth.

The Verdict: Is North Little Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $52,833 salary goes much further here than in most places.	Below-National-Average Salary: The $54,620 national average is higher.
Strong Job Demand: Steady openings, especially in long-term care.	Car-Dependent City: You'll need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is limited.
Manageable Commutes: You can live affordably and still have a short drive to work.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: Fewer cultural events, diverse food scenes, or niche retail options compared to larger metros.
Friendly, Community Feel: The medical community is relatively tight-knit.	Political & Social Climate: Arkansas is a conservative state; fit with local culture can vary.
Clear Path for Advancement: Bridge programs to RN are accessible and affordable.	Summer Heat & Humidity: Be prepared for oppressive summers from June to August.

Final Recommendation:
North Little Rock is an excellent choice for an LPN seeking financial stability, job security, and a manageable lifestyle. It's ideal for new graduates who want to start their career in a supportive environment, or for experienced LPNs from high-cost-of-living areas looking to stretch their income. If you value a predictable commute, a community feel, and don't mind the heat, it's a solid bet. However, if you're an LPN chasing top-tier national pay or a vibrant, walkable urban environment, you might be better served in a larger city like Little Rock, Fayetteville, or out of state.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for LPNs in North Little Rock?
The market is moderately competitive. You won't face the extreme competition of a major coastal city, but you're also not in a desperate shortage where any applicant is hired. Having a clean background, a positive attitude, and flexibility on shift/department will make you a strong candidate.

2. Can I live comfortably on the median LPN salary of $52,833?
Yes, comfortably. With the low cost of living (89.1 index) and average rent of $950, you can cover all essentials, have a social life, and still save money. It's a realistic and sustainable living wage for the area.

3. What's the best way to find housing near my new job?
First, secure the job. Once you know your employer (e.g., Baptist Health NLR vs. Arkansas Children's), use that location to search. Sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, and local Facebook groups are key. Be wary of areas with high property crime—ask future coworkers for their opinions on specific apartment complexes.

4. Is it worth getting my RN license eventually?
Absolutely. With the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Pulaski Tech in the area, the bridge programs are accessible. The salary jump to $65,000+ and the expanded scope of practice will dramatically improve your long-term earning potential and career flexibility in Arkansas.

5. What's the one thing I should do before moving?
Contact the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN). Start your licensure process before you move. If you're out-of-state, get your temporary permit so you can hit the ground running. Also, try to schedule a few informational interviews with local LPNs on LinkedIn to get the unfiltered scoop on specific employers.