Project Manager in Little Rock, AR

The Salary Picture: Where Little Rock Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Little Rock's project management salary landscape is a mixed bag. It's not the booming tech hub of Austin or the government contractor haven of Northern Virginia, but it offers a solid, stable career for the right professional. The key is understanding where you fit in the local ecosystem and what you can expect to earn.

Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local salary aggregators, the median salary for Project Managers in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metro area is $97,968/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $47.1/hour. It's important to note that this is slightly below the national average for the role, which sits at $101,280/year. The difference isn't massive, but it's reflected in the local cost of living, which is significantly lower than the US average.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on experience level within the Little Rock market. These figures are estimates based on local job postings, industry surveys, and conversations with hiring managers in the area.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Little Rock)	Key Industries Hiring
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $80,000	Construction, Healthcare Support, Local Government
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$85,000 - $110,000	Healthcare (IT/Operations), Finance, State Agencies
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$110,000 - $140,000	Healthcare Administration, Large Construction Firms, Finance
Expert/Executive	15+ years	$140,000+	Hospital Systems, Major Engineering Firms, Corporate HQs

Insider Tip: The 6% 10-year job growth for the metro is respectable but not explosive. This means you need to be strategic. The most lucrative opportunities are in healthcare systems (given Arkansas's aging population and major hospital networks) and infrastructure projects (thanks to ongoing state and federal funding). Don't expect a Silicon Valley-style salary jump; the growth here is steady, not meteoric.

Compared to other Arkansas cities, Little Rock is the undisputed leader for project management roles. The metro has 407 jobs listed for the occupation, far outpacing Fayetteville (home to Walmart) or Fort Smith. While Walmart's corporate office in Bentonville offers high salaries, the project management roles there are heavily skewed towards retail logistics and supply chain. Little Rock provides more variety across healthcare, government, and professional services.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $97,968 sounds great, but what does it mean for your daily life in Little Rock? Let's break it down realistically.

Assumptions for this breakdown:

• Gross Annual Salary: $97,968
• Federal Tax (Effective Rate ~17%): ~$16,655
• Social Security & Medicare (7.65%): ~$7,494
• Arkansas State Income Tax (4% on a portion): ~$2,400
• Total Estimated Annual Taxes: ~$26,549
• Net Annual Take-Home: ~$71,419
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,952
• Average 1BR Rent (Metro Area): $950/month

Monthly Budget Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Take-Home Pay	$5,952	After all taxes
Housing (1BR Rent)	($950)	Can be lower in specific neighborhoods
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	($200)	Arkansas summers can be hot; AC costs add up
Groceries	($400)	Competitive at local chains like Kroger & Walmart
Car Payment & Insurance	($500)	Assumes a moderate car payment; insurance is reasonable in AR
Fuel (Gas)	($150)	Commutes are generally shorter than in larger cities
Health Insurance (Employer Portion)	($300)	Varies widely, but this is a common employee contribution
Entertainment/Dining Out	($400)	Little Rock has a growing food scene; easy to spend here
Miscellaneous/Savings/Debt	$3,052	This is your key financial advantage.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely, yes. This is one of Little Rock's biggest draws for professionals. With a net monthly surplus of over $3,000, you are in an excellent position to save for a down payment. The median home price in the Little Rock metro is around $225,000 (as of late 2023/early 2024). A 20% down payment is $45,000, which could be saved in 12-18 months with disciplined budgeting. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $225k home would likely be between $1,400-$1,600, which is still very manageable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Little Rock's Major Employers

The project management job market in Little Rock is dominated by a few key sectors. Knowing these employers is crucial for your job search.

1. Arkansas Children's Hospital & Baptist Health: These are two of the largest healthcare systems in the state. They have constant IT, facility expansion, and operational improvement projects. Hiring is steady, and they offer good benefits. Insider Tip: Look for roles like "IT Project Manager" or "Clinical Implementation Manager" at these institutions.

2. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS): The state's premier academic medical center. They manage massive research grants, federal funding projects, and new facility builds. The pace can be slower, but the projects are substantial.

3. State of Arkansas (Major Agencies): The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is a massive employer for construction and infrastructure PMs. Other agencies like the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) hire PMs for IT modernization and program management. Note: State jobs often have a longer hiring process but offer strong job security.

4. Dillard's Inc.: Headquartered in Little Rock, this national department store chain has a significant corporate office. They have project management needs in IT, marketing campaigns, and store rollouts. It's a classic corporate environment.

5. Bank OZK & First Orion: These growing financial institutions have headquarters or major operations in Little Rock. They are heavily invested in fintech and digital banking projects, creating demand for PMs with a tech focus.

6. Engineering & Construction Firms: Companies like Cromwell Architects Engineers and McClellan Management have a steady need for PMs to oversee construction and design projects across the city.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable push towards digital transformation in healthcare and finance. PMs with Agile/Scrum certifications and experience with cloud migration (AWS, Azure) are in high demand. For infrastructure, ARDOT's recent bond funding has created a multi-year pipeline of highway and bridge projects.

Getting Licensed in AR

Unlike some states, Arkansas does not have a specific state license to practice as a Project Manager. However, professional certifications are the de facto standard and are heavily preferred by employers.

The most recognized certifications are:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI). This is the gold standard.
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) for those with less experience.
• PRINCE2 or Agile/Scrum Master certifications (CSM, PSM) are valuable, especially in tech and healthcare.

Costs & Timeline:

• PMP Exam Fee: ~$400 for PMI members, ~$550 for non-members. Membership is $129/year.
• CAPM Exam Fee: ~$225 for members, ~$300 for non-members.
• Training: Many candidates take a 35-hour prep course. Local options exist (e.g., through the University of Arkansas Little Rock's continuing ed or local PMI chapters), but online courses from providers like Coursera or PrepCast are also popular. Costs range from $300 - $2,000 depending on the format.
• Timeline: From start to finish, expect 3-6 months of serious study and application process to earn your PMP, assuming you meet the educational and experience prerequisites.

Actionable Step: Connect with the PMI Arkansas Chapter. They host monthly meetings in Little Rock (often at the Clinton Library or local hotels) and are an invaluable network for local job tips and study groups.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Choosing where to live depends on your commute tolerance and lifestyle. Little Rock is relatively easy to navigate, but traffic on I-630 and I-30 can be congested during peak hours.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Hillcrest	Historic, walkable, trendy. Close to downtown and the Medical District. 10-15 min commute to most offices.	$1,000 - $1,300	Young professionals who want a vibrant, social scene.
The Heights	Upscale, family-friendly, quiet. Tree-lined streets, great schools. 15-20 min commute to downtown.	$1,100 - $1,400	Established PMs with families seeking a stable, safe community.
Downtown / River Market	Urban, walkable, lots of apartments. Right in the action. Commute is zero if you work downtown.	$1,200 - $1,600	Those who want a true urban lifestyle and don't mind a higher rent.
Chenal Valley (West Little Rock)	Suburban, modern, car-centric. Big-box stores, new apartments, easy highway access. 20-25 min commute.	$900 - $1,100	Budget-conscious renters who want space and modern amenities.
Capitol View / Stifft Station	Up-and-coming, eclectic. Close to the Capitol and emerging restaurants. 10-15 min commute.	$850 - $1,050	PMs working for state government who want a short commute and a unique neighborhood.

Insider Tip: For a project manager working at UAMS or Arkansas Children's, Hillcrest or Capitol View offer the shortest, most predictable commutes. If you're at a corporate office in West Little Rock (like Dillard's), Chenal Valley might be your best bet for minimizing traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your 10-year outlook in Little Rock depends heavily on specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: A PMP-certified PM in Arkansas can command a 10-15% salary premium over a non-certified peer. Specializing in IT/Software (Agile, Scrum, DevOps) or large-scale construction can push you toward the top of the salary band. Healthcare IT project management is particularly lucrative due to the complexity of regulatory compliance (HIPAA) and EHR implementations.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Coordinator -> Project Manager -> Senior PM -> Program Manager (overseeing multiple projects) or into a Director of Project Management role. In Little Rock, the ceiling for a pure PM role is often around the $140,000 mark, unless you move into executive leadership (VP of Operations, CIO) or start your own consulting firm.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth indicates stability, not a boom. Over the next decade, expect continued demand in healthcare and infrastructure, with a growing need for PMs who can manage hybrid (in-office/remote) teams. The rise of remote work has also allowed some Little Rock-based PMs to work for companies in higher-paying markets while enjoying the low cost of living, effectively boosting their real income.

The Verdict: Is Little Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, especially for homeownership.	Salaries are below national average: Don't expect rapid, high-dollar jumps.
Stable Job Market: Strong healthcare, government, and corporate HQs provide steady demand.	Limited "Big Tech" Presence: Specialized tech PM roles (like at Google or Meta) don't exist here.
Manageable Commutes: Traffic is minimal compared to major metros.	Cultural & Social Scene is Smaller: Fewer major concerts, pro sports, and niche events.
Friendly, Southern Pace: Work-life balance is often more attainable than in high-pressure cities.	Public Transportation is Lacking: A car is a necessity for most residents.
Growing Food & Arts Scene: The River Market and Hillcrest are genuinely vibrant.	Weather: Summers are very hot and humid; winters are mild but can have ice storms.

Final Recommendation:
Little Rock is an excellent choice for project managers who prioritize financial stability, affordable homeownership, and work-life balance over chasing the highest possible salary or a hyper-competitive tech scene. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to settle down, start a family, and build equity. It is less ideal for those at the very start of their career seeking the steepest learning curve or for PMs who thrive in the fast-paced, cutthroat environments of coastal tech hubs.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a project manager job in Little Rock without a PMP?
It's not impossible, especially for entry-level roles, but you will be competing against certified candidates. For mid-to-senior level roles, the PMP is often listed as a "preferred" or even "required" qualification. Getting your PMP before you move will significantly increase your interview chances.

2. How do salaries in Little Rock compare to nearby Bentonville?
Bentonville (home of Walmart's corporate office) generally pays higher for project managers, especially in supply chain and retail tech. Average salaries there can be $110,000+. However, the cost of living and traffic in Bentonville are also higher. The trade-off is worth considering.

3. What's the interview process like for state government jobs?
It's notoriously slow and bureaucratic. Expect a multi-stage process that can take 2-3 months from application to offer. The interviews are often formal and panel-based. Patience is key. The upside is exceptional job security and benefits once you're in.

4. Can I work remotely for a company outside Arkansas while living in Little Rock?
Yes, this is an increasingly popular and financially savvy strategy. Many professionals use the low local cost of living to effectively increase their purchasing power. Just be mindful of tax implications if your employer is in a state with different tax laws.

5. What's the best way to network as a new PM in town?
Join the PMI Arkansas Chapter immediately. Also, look for meetups on platforms like Meetup.com for "Agile Little Rock" or "Tech Rock." The Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts events that are good for meeting people in various industries. Don't underestimate the power of a casual coffee chat—people in Little Rock are generally open and friendly.