Pharmacist in North Little Rock, AR

The Salary Picture: Where North Little Rock Stands

If you're a pharmacist looking at North Little Rock, the first thing you'll notice is that the numbers are solid, but they don't quite hit the national average. Let's get straight to the data.

The median salary for a pharmacist in North Little Rock is $131,581/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.26. That's a respectable figure, especially when you consider the local cost of living. For context, the national average for pharmacists is $136,030/year, so you're looking at about a 3% difference. It's not a massive gap, but it's worth factoring in.

The job market itself is small but steady. There are approximately 129 pharmacist jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at -3%, which is a trend you see in many markets as retail chains consolidate and healthcare systems optimize. However, this doesn't mean there are no opportunities; it means the competition for the best roles is a bit more focused.

To give you a clearer picture of how experience impacts earnings here, I've broken it down based on regional trends and Arkansas-specific data.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$115,000 - $125,000	Retail chains (CVS, Walgreens), outpatient clinics, smaller independent pharmacies.
Mid-Career (3-8 years)	$130,000 - $145,000	Hospital systems (Baptist Health, UAMS), larger compounding pharmacies, specialty pharmacies.
Senior-Level (9-15 years)	$145,000 - $160,000	Clinical specialist roles in hospitals, pharmacy management, corporate pharmacy roles.
Expert/Leadership (15+ years)	$160,000 - $180,000+	Director of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy Manager, specialized consultant roles.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the local median and national trends. Individual pay can vary based on the specific employer, shift differentials (nights/weekends), and specialty certifications.

North Little Rock vs. Other Arkansas Cities

How does North Little Rock stack up against other Arkansas metros? It's a competitive field.

City	Median Annual Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Size
North Little Rock	$131,581	89.1	Medium (129 jobs)
Little Rock	~$132,000	89.5	Large (400+ jobs)
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers	~$135,000	92.3	Medium-Large (250+ jobs)
Fort Smith	~$127,000	85.5	Small-Medium (75 jobs)

Little Rock, being the state capital and the larger metro area, offers slightly more jobs and a comparable salary. The difference in cost of living is negligible. Fayetteville's area (home to Walmart HQ) often commands a slightly higher salary, but the cost of living is also creeping up. Fort Smith is more affordable, but the job market and salary are a step down. For a balance of salary and opportunity, North Little Rock holds its own, especially if you're looking to work in a hospital setting like Baptist Health Medical Center or the Arkansas Children's Hospital network.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be real: a salary is just a number until you see what it means for your monthly life. North Little Rock's affordability is one of its biggest selling points.

Using the median salary of $131,581, the take-home pay after federal, state (4.5%), and FICA taxes is roughly $90,000 - $95,000 per year, or about $7,500 - $7,900 per month. This is a conservative estimate and can vary.

The average rent for a 1BR apartment is $950/month. That's incredibly low compared to national averages. Let's build a monthly budget for a single pharmacist earning the median.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single, Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$7,750	After taxes & deductions.
Rent (1BR)	$950	Average for a decent area.
Utilities (Elec/Water/Internet)	$250	Varies by season; summer AC costs can spike.
Groceries	$400	Single person, cooking at home.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Assumes a modest car payment; insurance is reasonable in AR.
Fuel/Transportation	$150	Gas is cheaper here; many drive.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$300	Employer plans vary.
Retirement (401k 10%)	$1,095	Highly recommended to save on taxes.
Entertainment/Dining	$400	Going out in the River Market or trying local spots.
Miscellaneous/Student Loans	$1,305	This is your discretionary & savings fund.
TOTAL	$4,350	Leaving ~$3,400/month for extra savings, travel, or loans.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home of ~$7,750 and a mortgage for a $250,000 home (a very common price point in nice NLR neighborhoods), your monthly payment (PITI) would be around $1,500-$1,600. That's only about 20% of your take-home, well within the recommended 28-36% range. Homeownership is very accessible here for a pharmacist.

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

The job market here is dominated by healthcare systems and retail chains, but the real opportunities for career growth are often in the hospital and specialty pharmacy sectors.

1. Baptist Health Medical Center (North Little Rock & Little Rock campuses): This is a major employer. They have inpatient, outpatient, and clinical pharmacy services. They often hire for specialty roles in oncology, pediatrics (at the adjacent Arkansas Children's Hospital), and critical care. Hiring trends favor those with residencies or board certifications.
2. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS): Located just across the river in Little Rock, UAMS is a powerhouse. They have a prestigious pharmacy residency program and often hire clinical specialists, researchers, and oncology pharmacists. It's a hub for advanced practice.
3. Walmart Pharmacy (Corporate & Store-Level): With its massive headquarters in nearby Bentonville, Walmart's influence is felt throughout the state. While many corporate roles are in Bentonville, there are numerous store pharmacist positions in NLR. The corporate side offers paths into supply chain, management, and procurement.
4. CVS Health & Walgreens: The national chains have a strong presence. For a new graduate or someone seeking a retail pharmacy schedule, this is the primary entry point. The benefit here is stability and potential for regional management roles. Locations near McCain Mall and on JFK Blvd are high-volume.
5. Regional Pharmacy (Compounding & Specialty): This is a growing niche. Local compounding pharmacies like Campbell Pharmacy (a well-known NLR independent) or specialty distributors serve the region's unique needs. These roles often offer more autonomy and a closer connection to the community.
6. VA North Little Rock Healthcare System: The VA is a stable employer offering federal benefits. They have a clinical pharmacy program that emphasizes chronic disease management for veterans. Hiring is competitive but offers a different pace and patient population.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the big hospital job boards. Network with pharmacists at local Arkansas Pharmacy Association (ArPhA) meetings. Many jobs, especially in clinical or specialty roles, are filled through referrals before they're ever posted publicly.

Getting Licensed in AR

If you're moving from another state, the licensure process in Arkansas is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

1. NAPLEX & MPJE: You must pass the NAPLEX (national exam) and the Arkansas MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam). The Arkansas MPJE covers state-specific laws.
2. Internship Hours: Arkansas requires 1,500 hours of internship under a licensed preceptor. If you're licensed in another state, you typically need to document your experience. The board may require additional hours if your training differed.
3. Application & Costs: Apply through the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy website. The application fee is $200, plus the cost of the exams. The NAPLEX costs $475 and the MPJE is $200. Budget around $1,000 total for fees and study materials.
4. Timeline: From start to finish, if you have all your documents (transcripts, proof of hours) in order, you can expect to be licensed in 2-4 months. It's best to start the process before you move. The Board's website is your best resource for current forms and regulations.

Insider Tip: The Arkansas MPJE is known for being specific. Use the state's free study guide and focus on topics like controlled substance laws (which are strict here) and pharmacy practice regulations. Don't rely solely on your national exam prep.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Where you live in NLR impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are the top areas, tailored for a healthcare professional.

1. Hillcrest (Little Rock side, but popular with NLR professionals): A historic, walkable area with great restaurants and cafes. It's not in NLR proper, but many pharmacists choose it for the vibe. A short commute to Baptist Health or UAMS. Rent for a 1BR: $1,100 - $1,400.
2. Park Hill (North Little Rock): One of the most desirable neighborhoods in NLR. It's central, safe, with beautiful older homes and tree-lined streets. Easy access to I-30 and JFK Blvd. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,200.
3. The Heights (Little Rock side, adjacent to NLR): Very upscale and quiet. Great for families. More expensive, but a short commute to both NLR hospitals and Little Rock employers. Rent for a 1BR: $1,200 - $1,600.
4. Indian Hills (North Little Rock): A quiet, suburban feel with good schools and larger lots. It's a bit further from the core but very peaceful. Great for those who want space. Rent for a 1BR: $850 - $1,100.
5. Downtown North Little Rock (The River Market District): Offers a vibrant, urban lifestyle with apartments above shops and restaurants. It's a unique experience, though parking can be tricky. Commute to most employers is under 10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $1,000 - $1,500.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a -3% job growth outlook, the key is to specialize and advance. Don't stay in a generalist role.

• Specialty Premiums: Board certification (BCPS, BCOP, BCACP) is the fastest way to increase your salary and value. A BCPS-certified clinical pharmacist in a hospital can command a premium over a generalist. In Arkansas, specialty roles in oncology, infectious disease, and pediatrics are in high demand at facilities like Baptist Health and UAMS.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Clinical -> Management: Move from a clinical specialist to a Pharmacy Manager or Director. This path requires leadership skills and often an advanced degree (PharmD/PhD).
  • Retail -> Corporate: Leverage your store experience to move into regional management, training, or corporate roles with chains like Walmart or CVS.
  • Clinical -> Industry: With UAMS and the growing biotech scene, opportunities exist in pharmaceutical industry liaison, medical affairs, or clinical research.
• 10-Year Outlook: While the number of traditional retail jobs may decline, the need for clinical and specialized pharmacists in integrated health systems is growing. The future here is about being a medication expert embedded in the care team, not just a dispenser. Salaries for these roles are expected to remain stable or grow slightly, outpacing general inflation.

The Verdict: Is North Little Rock Right for You?

North Little Rock offers a compelling value proposition for pharmacists who prioritize affordability and a manageable pace of life over the hustle of a major coastal metro.

Pros	Cons
High Affordability: Low rent and home prices make your $131,581 salary go very far.	Smaller Job Market: Fewer total jobs (129) means less immediate choice.
Stable Healthcare Employers: Major systems like Baptist Health and UAMS provide job security.	Limited Growth: Job growth is projected to shrink (-3%), so advancement requires specialization.
Short Commutes: You can live almost anywhere and be at work in 10-20 minutes.	Limited Diversity: The cultural and food scene is improving but is smaller than in larger cities.
Tight-Knit Community: Easier to build a professional network and have a personal impact.	Transients & Travel: You may need to travel for certain specialized training or conferences.
Access to Nature: Close to the Arkansas River, parks, and a short drive to the Ozarks.	State-Specific Regulations: Learning Arkansas pharmacy law is a one-time hurdle for out-of-state movers.

Final Recommendation: North Little Rock is an excellent choice for pharmacists who are early to mid-career, seeking to buy a home, and value work-life balance. It's ideal for those targeting clinical roles in hospitals or who find the corporate structure of retail appealing. If you're a specialist looking for a cutting-edge, research-heavy environment, you might find more options in Little Rock or consider a larger academic center elsewhere. But for a stable, affordable, and community-focused career, North Little Rock delivers.

FAQs

Q: Is it difficult to find a job as a pharmacist in North Little Rock?
A: It depends on your specialty. The market is competitive for generalist roles, especially in retail. However, pharmacists with residencies and board certifications (especially in oncology, pediatrics, or critical care) are in high demand at the major hospital systems. The key is to specialize.

Q: What's the climate like, and how does it affect the pharmacy role?
A: Arkansas has hot, humid summers and mild winters. This can impact patient health (e.g., flu season, heat-related issues), which in turn affects medication adherence and clinical pharmacy caseloads. It also means you need a reliable car for year-round commuting.

Q: How is the work-life balance for a pharmacist in this area?
A: Generally very good. The pace in most NLR pharmacies (both retail and hospital) is less frantic than in larger metros. Shifts are often predictable, and the short commutes give you more personal time. However, hospital roles may require on-call duties or weekend rotations.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
A: Yes, especially with the major hospital systems and retail chains. It's a good way to supplement income or maintain flexibility. Networking with local pharmacy managers is the best way to find these opportunities.

Q: What's the most important thing to know about Arkansas pharmacy law for licensure?
A: The Arkansas Drug Control Act is very strict. Pay close attention to rules regarding controlled substance prescribing, dispensing, and record-keeping. The Arkansas MPJE will test this thoroughly. It's worth taking a dedicated prep course for the state-specific exam.