Career Guide for Registered Nurses in Little Rock, Arkansas

As a career analyst who's called Little Rock home for over a decade, I've watched the healthcare scene evolve from the rise of the Arkansas Children's Hospital expansion to the ongoing challenges at UAMS. This guide is for you—the nurse weighing a move to the capital city. We're not selling Little Rock; we're dissecting it. You'll get the straight numbers on pay, the real cost of living, and the insider scoop on which hospitals actually have openings and which neighborhoods will give you the best commute to a 7 a.m. shift at Baptist Health. Let's get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Little Rock Stands

When you're looking at a move, the first question is always about the money. For Registered Nurses (RNs) in Little Rock, the financial picture is solid, especially when you factor in the state's low cost of living. The median salary for an RN in Little Rock is $83,255/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.03/hour. This puts you slightly below the national average for RNs of $86,070/year, but don't let that number fool you. With a cost of living index of 89.1 (where the US average is 100), your dollar goes significantly further here than in most parts of the country.

The job market is stable, with 1,834 RN jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 6%. While that growth isn't explosive, it's consistent. Unlike bigger markets where you're competing with thousands of new grads, Little Rock's market is more manageable. The real value here is in the experience-level breakdown. Arkansas's pay scale is heavily weighted toward experience and shift differentials, especially for nights and weekends.

Experience-Level Breakdown for Little Rock RNs

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Typical Settings
Entry-Level	0-2 Years	$68,000 - $75,000	Med-Surg, Orthopedics, General Med-Surg floors at Baptist Health, UAMS.
Mid-Career	3-7 Years	$78,000 - $90,000	ICU, ER, OR at CHI St. Vincent, Arkansas Heart Hospital. Specialties begin to show pay premiums.
Senior-Level	8-15 Years	$88,000 - $105,000+	Charge nurse roles, clinical educator positions, specialty units (NICU, PICU at Arkansas Children's).
Expert/Advanced Practice	15+ Years	$105,000 - $130,000+	Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) roles. NPs in Little Rock often earn $110,000 - $135,000.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data. Your actual rate will vary by employer, unit, and shift differential. Night shift premiums in Little Rock typically add $3-$6/hour.

How Little Rock Compares to Other Arkansas Cities

Little Rock isn't the highest-paying city in the state, but it offers the best balance of salary and opportunity. Here's a quick comparison to give you context.

City	Median RN Salary	Cost of Living Index (US=100)	Key Employer Notes
Little Rock	$83,255	89.1	Largest healthcare hub; most specialty options.
Fayetteville	~$79,500	85.0	Growing market with Washington Regional and Mercy, but more competition from U of A grads.
Fort Smith	~$75,000	82.0	Smaller market; lower pay but very low cost of living.
Jonesboro	~$77,000	81.5	Arkansas State University influence, strong regional hospital (NEA Baptist).
Northwest AR (Bentonville/Rogers)	~$84,000	92.0	Higher pay, but cost of living is rising faster; major corporate influence from Walmart.

The Local Insight: For a nurse with 3-5 years of experience, Little Rock's mid-career range of $78,000 - $90,000 provides the most leverage. You can command a higher salary here than in Jonesboro or Fort Smith, while still affording a much better lifestyle than in the more expensive Northwest Arkansas corridor.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. Your salary is just a number until you see what's left after taxes and housing. We'll use the median salary of $83,255/year for this breakdown.

Important Note: These are estimates. Use a payroll calculator for your exact situation. We're assuming a single filer with no dependents for simplicity.

• Gross Annual Salary: $83,255
• Estimated Federal Tax (Standard Deduction): ~$9,500
• Estimated State Tax (Arkansas): ~$4,200 (AR has a progressive tax, but for this bracket, it's roughly 5%)
• FICA (7.65%): ~$6,370
• Estimated Net Annual Income: ~$63,185
• Estimated Monthly Net Income: ~$5,265

Now, let's factor in the average 1BR rent of $950/month in Little Rock.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an RN Earning $83,255

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Net Income
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$950	18%
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200	4%
Groceries & Household	$400	8%
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	9%
Gas & Maintenance	$150	3%
Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored)	$300	6%
Retirement Savings (401k 5%)	$347	7%
Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment, etc.)	$800	15%
Total	$3,647	69%
Remaining Buffer	$1,618	31%

Analysis: This is a healthy budget. Spending only 18% of your net income on rent leaves you with a substantial $1,618 buffer for student loans, medical expenses, or saving for a down payment. In many coastal cities, rent alone would consume 40-50% of your income.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of Little Rock's biggest draws for healthcare professionals. With the median home price in the Little Rock metro around $250,000, a nurse earning $83,255 is in a strong position.

• A 20% down payment is $50,000 (challenging but possible with savings and a few years of work).
• A 3.5% FHA loan down payment is only $8,750.
• Estimated monthly mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) on a $250,000 home with an FHA loan: ~$1,800 - $2,000.

My Take: Many nurses in Little Rock buy homes within 3-5 years of starting their careers. Neighborhoods like Hillcrest, The Heights, and even parts of West Little Rock are popular with young professionals. The key is to build your credit and save aggressively for the first couple of years. The $1,618 monthly buffer in the budget above is your home-buying engine.

Where the Jobs Are: Little Rock's Major Employers

Little Rock's healthcare scene is dominated by a few major players. Knowing who they are and what they're like is key to landing the right job.

1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS): The state's only academic medical center. It's a Level I trauma center and the hub for complex care.

   • Hiring Trends: Consistently hiring, especially for Med-Surg, ICU, and specialty units (e.g., transplant, neurology). They offer strong benefits and tuition reimbursement. The culture can be bureaucratic, but the experience is unparalleled.
   • Insider Tip: UAMS has a large night shift. The differentials are good, and there's often a $5,000 - $10,000 sign-on bonus for night roles.

2. Baptist Health Medical Center: A major system with a large, modern flagship hospital in Little Rock. Known for a strong cardiac program and orthopedics.

   • Hiring Trends: The go-to employer for new grads. They have a massive and structured nurse residency program. Hiring is steady across all units. They also own a network of clinics, offering non-hospital roles.
   • Insider Tip: Baptist Health is big on internal promotion. Many nurses start in Med-Surg and transfer to ICU or ER within 18-24 months.

3. CHI St. Vincent: A private, Catholic-affiliated system with two main hospitals in Little Rock (Infirmary and Sherwood). They have a reputation for a more "family-like" culture.

   • Hiring Trends: Actively hiring for their progressive cardiac ICU, ER, and surgical units. They are often competing with Baptist and UAMS for experienced nurses, sometimes offering competitive sign-on bonuses.
   • Insider Tip: CHI St. Vincent is known for good shift differentials. Ask about their weekend-only programs—they can be a great way to earn a premium while having four days off.

4. Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH): The only pediatric Level I trauma center between Dallas and Memphis. A fantastic specialty employer.

   • Hiring Trends: Highly competitive for NICU and PICU roles. They often require 1-2 years of pediatric experience. However, they hire Med-Surg pediatric nurses and train them. Their culture is strong, and turnover is lower than at adult hospitals.
   • Insider Tip: ACH pays a premium for specialties. A NICU nurse can make $90,000+ with 5 years of experience. The hospital is located in the Hillcrest area, which is great for commute.

5. Arkansas Heart Hospital: A specialty hospital focused solely on cardiovascular care. It's smaller and highly specialized.

   • Hiring Trends: They hire experienced nurses almost exclusively. You need solid cardiac or ICU experience. The pace is fast, and the patient acuity is high.
   • Insider Tip: If you love cardiac, this is the best place to work in the state for that specialty. The pay is often at the top of the market. It's located in the Midtown area.

6. VA Medical Center (John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital): A federal employer with excellent benefits and job security.

   • Hiring Trends: Hiring is slower and more bureaucratic. Positions are posted on USAJobs.gov. They value military service, but it's not required. Great for nurses looking for a 9-to-5 schedule in some departments.
   • Insider Tip: The VA has a pension plan and a 401(k)-like plan, which is rare. If you plan to stay in nursing long-term, the retirement benefits are a huge plus.

Getting Licensed in Arkansas

If you're moving from another state, you'll need an Arkansas RN license. The process is straightforward but takes time.

Step 1: Verify Your Credentials

• Arkansas is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If your primary state of residence is another compact state (like Texas, Missouri, or Tennessee), you can practice in Arkansas with your current license. Check the list on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website.
• If you're from a non-compact state, you'll need to apply for licensure by endorsement.

Step 2: Apply for Licensure by Endorsement (Non-Compact States)

• Agency: Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN).
• Cost: $150 for the application fee. You'll also need to pay for a fingerprint-based criminal background check (approx. $40).
• Timeline: The process typically takes 4-8 weeks. You must have an active, unencumbered license from another state.
• Requirements:
  • Completed online application.
  • Official transcripts sent directly from your nursing school.
  • Verification of your original license from the state where you were first licensed.
  • Fingerprint cards.
• Getting Started: Start the process 2-3 months before your planned move. You can begin applying for jobs in Arkansas as soon as you have a "pending" application with the ASBN.

Insider Tip: Many hospitals in Little Rock, like Baptist Health, will hire you on a temporary permit while your endorsement is processing. Confirm this during your interview. It's a common practice and a sign the hospital is eager to hire.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Where you live in Little Rock dramatically impacts your commute, lifestyle, and social life. As a nurse, you also need to think about proximity to your hospital and, crucially, the safety and quality of life for your days off.

1. Hillcrest & The Heights (Central/North Little Rock):

   • Commute: Excellent to UAMS (5-10 mins), Arkansas Children's (5 mins), and Baptist Health (10-15 mins). CHI St. Vincent is about 15 minutes.
   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, and trendy. Full of coffee shops, restaurants, and young professionals. Lots of older bungalows and renovated apartments.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,500 for a 1BR. Higher than the city average, but worth it for the location.
   • Best For: Nurses who want to be close to work and in the heart of the social scene.

2. West Little Rock (Chenal Valley, Pleasant Valley):

   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to most hospitals (longer during rush hour). Baptist Health is the closest major employer.
   • Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented, and modern. Large apartment complexes, shopping centers, and good schools. Safer and quieter.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200 for a 1BR. More space for your money.
   • Best For: Nurses who prioritize safety, space, and a quieter lifestyle, especially if they work at Baptist Health.

3. Midtown / Stifft Station:

   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to all central hospitals. It's a great central location.
   • Vibe: A mix of old and new. It's becoming more popular with young professionals. Good access to the Arkansas River Trail for running/biking.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Nurses who want a central location without the Hillcrest price tag. It's a good compromise.

4. North Little Rock (Downtown & Argenta):

   • Commute: Very close to UAMS and Arkansas Children's (across the river). CHI St. Vincent is also nearby.
   • Vibe: Argenta is a revitalized historic district with a great arts scene, restaurants, and the Dickey-Stephens Park (home to the Arkansas Travelers baseball team). It's more residential but feels connected.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Nurses who work at UAMS or ACH and want a walkable, culturally rich neighborhood on a budget.

5. The River Market / Downtown:

   • Commute: Central to all hospitals (10-15 mins).
   • Vibe: Urban, bustling, with high-rise apartments, farmers markets, and nightlife. Can be noisier.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,800+ for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Nurses who want the full downtown experience and don't mind a longer commute for social life.

Neighborhood Verdict: For most nurses, Hillcrest/The Heights offers the best balance of commute and lifestyle. If you're budget-conscious, Midtown or North Little Rock are fantastic alternatives.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Little Rock offers clear paths for specialization and advancement, though the market isn't as vast as in a major metro.

• Specialty Premiums: Moving from Med-Surg to a specialty unit comes with a pay bump.
  • ICU/ER: + $5,000 - $10,000 in base salary.
  • OR/Perioperative: + $5,000 - $8,000.
  • **NICU/PICU (