Project Manager in North Little Rock, AR

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering North Little Rock, AR.

---

The Salary Picture: Where North Little Rock Stands

When you're weighing a career move, the numbers tell the story. For Project Managers in North Little Rock, that story is one of solid regional compensation with a very favorable cost of living.

The median salary for a Project Manager in the North Little Rock metro area is $97,968/year. This translates to an hourly rate of approximately $47.1/hour. While this figure is slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, the key is context. With a Cost of Living Index at 89.1 (where the U.S. average is 100), your salary goes significantly further here than it would in a larger coastal metro.

The job market is stable but not explosive. There are currently 129 Project Manager jobs listed in the metro, with a projected 10-year job growth of 6%. This indicates steady demand, primarily driven by established local industries rather than a tech or startup boom.

To understand where you fit, here’s a breakdown by experience level. Note: This is a local estimate based on national trends adjusted for the North Little Rock market.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (North Little Rock)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $78,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$80,000 - $105,000
Senior	8-15 years	$105,000 - $135,000
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$130,000 - $160,000+

How does this compare to other Arkansas cities?

• Little Rock (the core metro): Salaries are nearly identical, but the cost of living is marginally higher, especially in specific Little Rock neighborhoods. The job pool is larger, with more corporate headquarters roles.
• Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers (Northwest AR): This is the state's economic engine, home to Walmart, Tyson, and J.B. Hunt. Project Managers here often command a 10-15% salary premium over North Little Rock. However, the cost of living has risen sharply, with rent and home prices significantly higher.
• Fort Smith: Salaries are generally 5-8% lower than in North Little Rock, with a smaller, more traditional industrial job market.

Insider Tip: The real leverage for a Project Manager in North Little Rock isn't base salary alone; it's securing a role with a large, stable employer that offers strong benefits (like a generous 401k match or PTO), which effectively increases your total compensation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down what a median salary actually feels like on the ground in North Little Rock. We'll use the median salary of $97,968/year.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Gross Monthly: $8,164
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA @ ~25%): ~$2,041
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,123

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Project Manager:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$950	Average for the area. See neighborhood section for variations.
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity, water, gas, and internet.
Groceries	$400
Car Payment/Insurance	$600	Assumes a moderate car payment and insurance. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Out-of-Pocket)	$250	Highly variable; this is a common employer contribution.
Miscellaneous (Dining, Fun, etc.)	$500
Total Expenses	$2,900
Monthly Savings	$3,223

This leaves a substantial amount for savings, investments, or paying down debt. The low rent is the game-changer.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in the North Little Rock area is approximately $190,000 - $230,000. With a $97,968 salary and a strong credit score, a Project Manager can easily qualify for a mortgage. A 20% down payment on a $220,000 home is $44,000, which is achievable with disciplined saving for a few years. The monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be comparable to or less than renting a comparable single-family home.

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

The North Little Rock job market is anchored by healthcare, government, and legacy corporations. Here are the key players where a Project Manager can find a home:

1. Arkansas Children's Hospital (NLR Campus): A massive, expanding system. Project Managers are needed for construction projects (new buildings), IT system implementations (EPIC), and operational process improvements. They hire consistently and offer excellent benefits.
2. Baptist Health Medical Center (NLR): Another major healthcare employer. Roles often involve facility upgrades, clinical workflow projects, and community health initiatives. Look for titles like "Clinical Project Manager" or "IT Project Manager."
3. Acxiom: A data marketing and technology company headquartered in Conway but with a significant presence in the Little Rock metro. They hire technical Project Managers for software development, data platform migrations, and client implementation projects. This is one of the best places to find tech-focused PM work locally.
4. Lockheed Martin: Their Little Rock facility (just across the river) is a major employer for engineering and aerospace projects. They seek PMP-certified Project Managers with experience in defense contracts, manufacturing, or systems engineering. The clearance process can be long but the roles are very stable.
5. Dillard's Inc.: Headquartered in Little Rock, Dillard's corporate offices manage all retail, logistics, and e-commerce projects. PMs here work on store remodels, supply chain optimization, and digital platform rollouts.
6. State of Arkansas: The state government is a huge employer. Agencies like the Department of Transportation, Department of Finance & Administration, and the IT Services Division hire Project Managers for infrastructure, software, and public service projects. The process is bureaucratic but the benefits are solid.
7. North Little Rock School District: With ongoing construction and technology upgrades, the school district frequently hires Project Managers to oversee capital projects and district-wide initiatives like 1:1 device rollouts.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest in healthcare and IT. Traditional manufacturing and construction roles are steady but less frequent. Remote work is available but less common than in national hubs; hybrid schedules are increasingly standard.

Getting Licensed in AR

For Project Managers, "licensing" typically means certification, not a state license. Arkansas does not issue a specific state license for Project Managers. However, the industry standard is the Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Requirements & Process for PMP Certification:

• Prerequisites: You need either a four-year degree with 36 months of experience leading projects within the last 8 years or a high school diploma with 60 months of experience.
• Training: 35 contact hours of formal project management education are required before you can apply. Many online providers offer this for $200-$500 (e.g., Coursera, Udemy, PMI Authorized Training Partners).
• Application & Exam: The exam fee is $405 for PMI members ($555 for non-members). The application involves documenting your project experience. The exam is a rigorous, 180-question test.
• Timeline: From starting training to sitting for the exam, expect a 3-6 month process.

Total Estimated Cost: $600 - $1,200 (including training, membership, and exam fees).
Renewal: The PMP requires 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every 3 years, which can be earned through continuing education, webinars, and working in the field.

Insider Tip: Many employers in North Little Rock, especially Lockheed Martin and Acxiom, value or even require the PMP. It's a key differentiator and can be a prerequisite for senior roles.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

North Little Rock is geographically diverse, with neighborhoods offering different lifestyles and price points. The commute is generally easy, with most drives under 20 minutes.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Best For
Hillcrest (Little Rock)	Historic, walkable, tree-lined streets. 10-15 min to downtown NLR/airport.	$1,000 - $1,300	PMs who want a vibrant, urban feel with cafes and boutiques.
Park Hill (NLR)	Classic, established neighborhood with brick homes. 10 min to Baptist Health.	$900 - $1,200	Families and those seeking a quiet, community-focused setting.
Downtown/NLR Entertainment District	Energetic, urban, apartment-focused. Walk to work if you work downtown.	$1,100 - $1,600	Young professionals who want to be in the action.
Chenal Valley (West Little Rock)	Master-planned, suburban, big-box stores. 20-25 min commute to NLR.	$950 - $1,200	Those prioritizing newer amenities, gyms, and easy errand-running.
Lakewood (NLR)	Quiet, residential, near the airport and some industrial parks.	$800 - $1,000	Practical, budget-conscious professionals who value a short commute.

Insider Tip: If you're targeting a job at Arkansas Children's or Baptist Health, look in Park Hill or Lakewood. For a role at Acxiom or Dillard's, consider Hillcrest for its culture or Chenal Valley for a suburban home base.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In North Little Rock, career growth for Project Managers follows two primary paths: vertical promotion and specialization.

• Vertical Path: Project Coordinator → Project Manager → Senior Project Manager → Program Manager/Director. This path is most available within large organizations like hospitals, Lockheed, and the State.
• Specialization Path: Developing a niche can command a premium. The highest premiums in this market are for:
  • IT/Software Project Managers: Especially with Agile/Scrum certification. Premium: +15-25% over median.
  • Construction Project Managers: With a PE license or extensive commercial experience. Premium: +10-20%.
  • Healthcare Project Managers: With clinical or EMR implementation experience. Premium: +10-15%.

10-Year Outlook:
The 6% job growth indicates a stable, not booming, market. The biggest opportunities will be in healthcare (aging population, tech integration) and IT (cybersecurity, cloud migration for legacy companies). The key to advancement will be building a track record of successfully delivered projects. Networking within the tight-knit business community is critical—join the local PMI chapter and attend events at the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. Remote work may open up opportunities from national firms, but local experience at a major employer like Acxiom or Lockheed remains the most reliable path to a six-figure salary.

The Verdict: Is North Little Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches further, enabling homeownership and high savings rates.	Limited Job Market: Fewer opportunities than major metros; less variety in industries.
Stable Employers: Major hospitals, defense, and corporate HQs provide job security.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in Northwest AR or national hubs.
Manageable Commute: Easy drives, no traffic nightmares.	Cultural Scene: Smaller than a major city; fewer concerts, museums, and dining options.
Genuine Community: Professional networks are accessible and supportive.	Conservative Culture: Socially and politically, it's a red state. This can be a pro or con depending on your views.
Central Location: Easy access to the Ozarks, Delta, and Dallas for weekends.	Dependence on Car: Public transit is limited; you'll need a reliable vehicle.

Final Recommendation:
North Little Rock is an excellent choice for a Project Manager who prioritizes financial stability, homeownership, and a good work-life balance over a fast-paced, high-stakes career. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to build equity and save for the future, or for senior PMs seeking a less stressful environment. It is likely not the best fit for someone in the early stages of a tech-focused career who needs a dense network of startups and frequent job-hopping opportunities. The data supports a comfortable, achievable career path here, not a get-rich-quick trajectory.

FAQs

1. Is a PMP certification necessary to get a Project Manager job in North Little Rock?
Not always, but it's highly recommended. For roles in healthcare (Arkansas Children's, Baptist Health) and defense (Lockheed Martin), it's often a stated requirement or a major advantage. For some state or corporate roles, equivalent experience may suffice, but the PMP is the gold standard that makes your resume stand out.

2. What are the main industries hiring Project Managers here?
The top three are Healthcare (Arkansas Children's, Baptist Health), Defense/Aerospace (Lockheed Martin), and Corporate/IT (Acxiom, Dillard's). The State of Arkansas is also a consistent hirer.

3. How competitive is the job market with only 129 jobs listed?
The number is low but steady. It indicates a market where employers are carefully selecting candidates. It's less about applying to hundreds of postings and more about targeting specific organizations, networking, and having a standout resume for the roles that do open. The 6% growth suggests it's not stagnant.

4. Do I need to live in North Little Rock proper?
No. Many professionals live in adjacent areas like Hillcrest, Midtown, or even further out in Maumelle or Sherwood, depending on their commute tolerance. The metro area is compact, so living just outside the city limits doesn't change the job prospects significantly.

5. What's the networking scene like for PMs?
It exists but requires effort. The local PMI chapter (PMI Arkansas) holds regular events. The Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce is active. Most importantly, the business community is relational. Meeting people at industry events or through alumni groups is often more effective than cold applications.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, North Little Rock-specific data; BestPlaces.net for Cost of Living Index; Zillow and Rent.com for rent estimates; PMI.org for certification details; State of Arkansas licensing boards for professional engineering (PE) information.