Physical Therapist in North Little Rock, AR

The Salary Picture: Where North Little Rock Stands

For a Physical Therapist (PT), North Little Rock offers a salary that is both competitive and potentially more valuable due to the city's low cost of living. Let's break down the numbers.

The median salary for a PT in the North Little Rock metro area is $96,449/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $46.37. It's important to note that this is slightly below the national average of $99,710/year. However, the cost of living in North Little Rock (Cost of Living Index: 89.1) is significantly lower than the US average (100), which means your salary will stretch much further here than in many other parts of the country.

The job market is stable and growing. There are currently 129 jobs in the metro area for Physical Therapists, with a projected 10-year job growth of 14%, which aligns with national trends for healthcare professionals.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in this region:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level PT	0-2 years	$75,000 - $85,000
Mid-Career PT	3-8 years	$90,000 - $105,000
Senior PT	9-15 years	$105,000 - $120,000
Expert/Managerial PT	15+ years	$120,000 - $140,000+

Insider Tip: Salaries at large hospital systems (like Baptist Health) often come with robust benefit packages, including public service loan forgiveness eligibility, which can be more valuable than a slightly higher salary at a private clinic.

Comparison to Other Arkansas Cities:
North Little Rock's salary is competitive within the state. For context, PTs in Little Rock (the larger, adjacent city) may see a median salary 5-10% higher due to the concentration of more specialized medical centers. However, the cost of living in Little Rock is also slightly higher. In smaller Arkansas cities like Jonesboro or Fort Smith, median salaries for PTs tend to be in the $85,000 - $92,000 range. North Little Rock hits a sweet spot: it offers city-level job opportunities with a more affordable, suburban feel.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical about what a $96,449/year salary means for your monthly budget in North Little Rock.

Assuming a single filer with standard deductions, take-home pay after federal and state taxes (Arkansas state income tax ranges from 0% to 5.5%) would be approximately $6,800 - $7,100 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single PT, Median Salary):

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1-BR Avg)	$950	Varies by neighborhood (see below)
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$180	Higher in summer due to A/C
Internet	$60	Standard high-speed plan
Groceries	$400	Single household, cooking at home
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Assumes a modest car payment
Fuel	$150	Commute depends on neighborhood
Student Loan Payment	$300	Varies widely; PSLF is an option!
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$300	Check employer plan first
Miscellaneous (eating out, entertainment)	$400
Total	$3,240
Remaining for Savings/Investment	~$3,560+

Insider Tip: The Cost of Living Index of 89.1 is your best friend. This budget assumes you're living like a professional, not a student. You have significant room for savings, a mortgage, or paying down debt aggressively.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely.
With a median home price in the North Little Rock area around $220,000 - $250,000, a 20% down payment is $44,000 - $50,000. Given the surplus in the budget above, a dedicated PT could save this amount in 1.5-2 years. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $200,000 loan would be roughly $1,400 - $1,500, which is still very manageable on a $96,449 salary. This is a key advantage over more expensive metro areas where homeownership is out of reach for many early-career professionals.

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

The job market for PTs in North Little Rock is anchored by a mix of large hospital systems, outpatient orthopedic chains, and a growing need for services in senior care. Here are the key players:

1. Baptist Health Medical Center (North Little Rock): The largest employer in the city. They have extensive inpatient rehab, outpatient PT clinics, and specialty services (neuro, cardiac rehab). Hiring is steady, and they are known for good benefits. Hiring Trend: Actively recruiting for both outpatient and inpatient roles, with a focus on orthopedic and geriatric specialties.

2. CHI St. Vincent (Adjacent to NLR): Located just across the river in Little Rock, this system is a major regional trauma and cardiac center. Their rehab institutes are top-tier. Hiring Trend: Competitive, often seeking PTs with specialty certifications (e.g., OCS, CCS).

3. OrthoArkansas: While based in Little Rock, this is the largest orthopedic practice in the state and serves the entire region. They have multiple outpatient PT clinics. Hiring Trend: High volume of outpatient orthopedic cases. They value PTs who can build a caseload quickly.

4. Encompass Health Rehabilitation (of Little Rock): A leading inpatient rehabilitation facility. This is where PTs work with complex neurological and orthopedic cases. Hiring Trend: Consistent need for PTs who are comfortable with higher-acuity patients.

5. Select Physical Therapy: A major national chain with multiple locations in the North Little Rock area. They focus on outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine. Hiring Trend: Often hires new graduates and offers structured mentorship programs.

6. NLR School District: Physical Therapists are needed for school-based services, working with children with disabilities. Hiring Trend: Stable, with openings typically occurring before the school year starts (May-July).

7. Local Home Health Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association): With an aging population, home health PT is a growing field. Hiring Trend: High demand for PTs who are self-motivated and have good documentation skills.

Insider Tip: The "129 jobs" in the metro area are not all in North Little Rock proper. Many are in adjacent Little Rock. A commute across the I-30 bridge is common and takes only 10-15 minutes during non-rush hour.

Getting Licensed in Arkansas

To practice as a PT in Arkansas, you must be licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. Examination: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs.
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam (covers state laws and rules).
4. Background Check: Submit to a criminal background check.
5. Application: Submit a complete application to the state board, including transcripts and fees.

Timeline and Costs:

• NPTE Fee: ~$500 (paid to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy).
• Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam Fee: ~$150.
• State License Application Fee: ~$250.
• Background Check Fee: ~$15.
• Total Estimated Cost: $915 (excluding your exam prep materials).
• Timeline: Once you have your NPTE score, the Arkansas board typically processes applications in 4-6 weeks. It's crucial to apply for your license as soon as you have your graduation date and NPTE results.

Insider Tip: Arkansas is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact), which allows licensed PTs from other compact member states to practice more easily in Arkansas. If you're already licensed in another compact state, the process is much faster.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

North Little Rock offers diverse living options, from historic streetcar suburbs to newer, master-planned communities. Your choice will depend on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1-BR Estimate)	Best For...
Hillcrest (Little Rock, but adjacent)	Historic, walkable, trendy cafes & shops. 5-10 min commute to NLR hospitals.	$1,100 - $1,400	PTs who love an urban, historic feel and don't mind a slightly higher rent.
Park Hill	Quiet, residential, tree-lined streets. Very close to Baptist Health NLR.	$900 - $1,200	Professionals seeking a peaceful, family-friendly neighborhood with a short commute.
Indian Hills / John F. Kennedy Blvd	Mid-century homes, good value, easy access to I-30 and I-40.	$850 - $1,100	Budget-conscious PTs who want a central location with easy access to the entire metro.
The Villages / Levy	Newer, suburban developments with amenities (pools, parks). A 15-20 min commute to central NLR.	$1,000 - $1,300	Those who prefer modern apartments/townhomes and a suburban lifestyle.
Downtown North Little Rock (Argenta)	Revitalizing historic district, walkable to restaurants and the Arkansas Travelers ballpark.	$950 - $1,250	PTs who want a vibrant, walkable urban core with a unique local character.

Insider Tip: If you work at Baptist Health NLR, Park Hill is unbeatable for a sub-10-minute commute. If you work at a clinic in Little Rock (like OrthoArkansas), Hillcrest offers a great lifestyle with a very short drive across the river.

The Long Game: Career Growth

North Little Rock is a solid place to build a long-term career. The 10-year job growth of 14% ensures demand will remain strong. To maximize your earning potential and career satisfaction, consider these paths:

• Specialty Certifications: The biggest salary premium comes from advanced certifications. In North Little Rock, these are highly valued:
  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): Essential for outpatient orthopedics (e.g., OrthoArkansas, Select PT). Can add a $5,000 - $10,000 premium.
  • Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Clinical Specialist (CCS): In high demand at Baptist Health and St. Vincent's cardiac rehab programs.
  • Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS): Critical for home health and SNFs, given Arkansas' aging population.
• Advancement Paths: Move from staff PT to Clinical Supervisor or Clinic Director at outpatient chains or hospitals. Another path is into home health, where you can earn a higher per-visit rate and manage your schedule. For those with a research interest, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock offers opportunities for clinical research or academic roles.
• 10-Year Outlook: The push towards value-based care and an aging population will continue to drive demand. PTs who can demonstrate outcomes, manage patient loads efficiently, and obtain leadership roles will see the best career progression. The cost of living is likely to rise, but likely at a slower rate than major coastal cities, preserving your purchasing power.

The Verdict: Is North Little Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $96,449 salary goes much further here.	Hot, Humid Summers: July and August can be brutal.
Strong Job Market: 129 jobs and 14% growth indicate stability.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity; commutes are car-dependent.
Affordable Homeownership: A realistic goal within a few years.	Smaller Metro Area: Fewer ultra-specialized niches compared to a major city like Dallas or Atlanta.
Central Location: Easy to explore the Ozarks, Hot Springs, or Memphis.	Cultural & Dining Scene is growing but not as vast as larger metros.
Friendly, Local Feel: The "local who knows the city" vibe is real.	Limited Diversity compared to national averages.

Final Recommendation:
North Little Rock is an outstanding choice for Physical Therapists who value financial stability, work-life balance, and community. If you are a new graduate looking to pay down student debt aggressively, a mid-career professional wanting to buy a home, or a senior PT seeking a lower-stress environment, this city checks all the boxes. It's not the place for someone who craves the non-stop energy of a megalopolis, but for those who prioritize a high quality of life and a rewarding career, North Little Rock is a hidden gem. The data on salary and cost of living creates a compelling case for a sustainable career.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to get a job as a new graduate in North Little Rock?
Yes, but be strategic. Large hospital systems (Baptist Health, St. Vincent) and chains (Select PT) often have structured new graduate residency programs. Apply early in your final semester. The job market is competitive but there are opportunities, especially in outpatient orthopedics and home health.

2. How does the cost of living really compare?
The Cost of Living Index of 89.1 means you need about 11% less money to live the same lifestyle as the national average. A $100,000 salary here feels like making $112,350 nationally. For a PT, this is a major advantage, allowing for faster savings and debt repayment.

3. What's the malpractice insurance situation?
Most employers (hospitals, clinics) provide malpractice insurance as part of your employment. If you work in home health or own your practice, you'll need to secure your own policy, which typically costs $500 - $1,500 annually for a PT in Arkansas.

4. Are there opportunities for PRN (as-needed) work?
Absolutely. PRN work is common in hospitals (for weekend/holiday coverage) and outpatient clinics (for patient cancellation coverage). It's a great way to supplement your income, often at a higher hourly rate, and to gain experience in different settings.

5. What is the license renewal process?
Arkansas PT licenses must be renewed every two years. You need 30 hours of continuing education (CE) during each renewal period, with specific requirements for ethics and laws. The renewal fee is approximately $200. The state board website provides a full list of approved CE providers.