The Software Developer's Guide to Conway, Arkansas

If you're a software developer considering a move to Conway, you're looking at a city that’s often called the “City of Colleges” for good reason. It’s a unique blend of university energy, historic neighborhoods, and a surprisingly robust tech scene for a metro of just under 70,000 people. As a local, I’ve watched this town grow from a quiet suburb into a destination for tech talent who want a lower cost of living without sacrificing career opportunities. This guide is for the pragmatist—the developer who wants the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the straight talk on whether Conway is the right move for your career and lifestyle.

Let’s cut through the marketing noise and look at the data.

The Salary Picture: Where Conway Stands

First, the bottom line. The median annual salary for a Software Developer in the Conway metropolitan area is $123,098. That translates to a neat $59.18 per hour. For context, this is slightly below the national average for Software Developers, which sits at $127,260. It’s a key trade-off: you’re earning a bit less than the U.S. median, but in return, you get a cost of living that’s significantly lower—at a Cost of Living Index of just 89.1 (U.S. average = 100).

The job market is stable and growing. There are currently 417 software development jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 17%. This isn’t explosive Bay Area growth, but it’s a healthy, sustainable pace that suggests long-term stability rather than a volatile boom-and-bust cycle.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is $123,098, your actual salary will depend heavily on experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local job postings and industry averages:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	What to Expect in Conway
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$85,000 - $105,000	Often at startups or local tech firms. Focus on full-stack fundamentals.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$110,000 - $135,000	The sweet spot for most jobs. Specialization (e.g., cloud, DevOps) starts to pay off.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$135,000 - $160,000	Leadership roles, architecting systems, mentoring. Often at established companies.
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$160,000+	Director-level roles, niche expertise. Can be found at major employers or remote roles.

Comparison to Other Arkansas Cities

Conway holds its own against other tech hubs in the state. Here’s how the median salary stacks up:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Key Notes
Conway	$123,098	89.1	Balanced market, strong local employers, affordable living.
Little Rock	$121,500	87.2	Larger market, more corporate jobs, but slightly lower salary.
Fayetteville	$119,800	85.5	Home to Walmart, but salaries can be lower; lower cost of living.
Bentonville	$125,000	92.0	High salaries due to Walmart, but cost of living is rising fast.

Conway offers a compelling middle ground: a salary competitive with Little Rock and Bentonville, but with a cost of living that remains manageable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A salary of $123,098 doesn’t land in your bank account. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, a single filer with no dependents in Arkansas can expect to take home approximately $90,000 - $95,000 annually, or about $7,500 - $7,900 per month. (This is an estimate; use a payroll calculator for your specific situation.)

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Conway rents for $950/month. This is a key advantage. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a mid-level developer earning the median salary:

• Take-Home Pay: ~$7,700
• Rent (1BR): -$950
• Utilities (Avg. Conway): -$200
• Groceries: -$400
• Transportation (Car is a must): -$350 (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance)
• Health Insurance (Employer Subsidized): -$200
• Retirement Savings (10%): -$770
• Discretionary Spending: -$1,000
• Remaining / Savings Buffer: ~$3,830

This budget leaves a significant buffer for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle. With this financial picture, buying a home is very feasible. The median home price in Faulkner County (where Conway is located) is approximately $250,000. A 20% down payment is $50,000, and a monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) might be around $1,500—still well within a comfortable range for this salary. This is the primary financial draw of Conway: housing costs are low enough that homeownership is an achievable goal early in your career.

Where the Jobs Are: Conway's Major Employers

Conway’s tech scene is anchored by a mix of established institutions, corporate branches, and a growing startup ecosystem. You won’t find a Google headquarters here, but you will find stable, well-paying jobs with good work-life balance.

1. Acxiom: This is a giant in the data and marketing tech space. With a major campus in Conway, they are the largest local employer for software developers. They hire across the stack—Java, .NET, data engineering, cloud infrastructure. Insider Tip: Acxiom has a reputation for stability and excellent benefits. It’s a great place for mid-career developers looking to specialize.
2. Dillard’s: The national department store chain is headquartered in Little Rock but has a massive tech and innovation center in downtown Conway. They handle e-commerce, supply chain, and point-of-sale systems. Hiring Trend: They are actively modernizing their tech stack, creating roles in cloud migration and digital experience platforms.
3. Windstream: A major telecommunications provider headquartered in Little Rock with a significant presence in Conway. They need developers for network management software, customer portals, and internal systems. Insider Tip: Roles here often involve working with large-scale, mission-critical systems.
4. University of Central Arkansas (UCA): As a major employer, UCA’s IT department hires developers for its student information systems, research platforms, and public-facing web applications. Salaries are competitive, and the benefits (including tuition assistance) are excellent.
5. First Orion: A fast-growing tech company providing call protection and communication intelligence solutions. They have a Conway office and are known for a more modern, agile tech culture. Hiring Trend: They are scaling rapidly and often seek developers passionate about cybersecurity and data analytics.
6. Startups & Local Firms: The Conway Innovation Center is a hub for startups. Companies like RevUnit (a digital product agency) and AgileArk (consulting) offer agency-style work. These roles are great for developers who want variety and project diversity.

Getting Licensed in AR

For software developers, the term “licensed” is different than for fields like nursing or law. You do not need a state-issued license to write code in Arkansas. However, there are professional certifications and considerations that are important.

• State-Specific Requirements: There are no state mandates for software developer licensure. Your credentials are your portfolio, experience, and any professional certifications (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft).
• Costs & Timeline: The “getting started” timeline is immediate. If you have the skills, you can apply for jobs. The main cost would be for certifications, which run from $100 - $300 for most vendor-specific exams. There is no state board to contact or fees to pay for the right to practice.

Insider Tip: While not required, joining a local professional group like the Arkansas Technology Council or ARDev can provide networking opportunities and keep you informed about local trends.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Where you live in Conway affects your commute and lifestyle. The city is laid out in a grid, with I-40 and I-65 as the main arteries.

1. Downtown Conway: The heart of the city, home to the UCA campus, coffee shops, and the new Max Conway apartment complex. It’s walkable, vibrant, and has a creative energy.

   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to most employers.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500 for a modern 1BR.
   • Best For: Young professionals who want an urban feel without big-city density.

2. Westside / The Estates: Established, family-friendly neighborhoods with larger, older homes and mature trees. This is where many professionals settle when they want space.

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown or corporate parks.
   • Rent Estimate: Rent is scarce here; home ownership is the norm. A 3BR home might rent for $1,800+.
   • Best For: Developers with families or those who prioritize space and quiet.

3. Southern Hills / The Point: Newer subdivisions with modern homes, good schools, and easy access to shopping. The commute to tech offices is still very reasonable.

   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown.
   • Rent Estimate: Similar to Westside; more of a home-buying neighborhood.
   • Best For: Those seeking newer construction and suburban amenities.

4. Near UCA Campus: A mix of student and professional housing. You can find apartments and older homes at a good price.

   • Commute: 5-15 minutes anywhere.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious developers who don’t mind a student-adjacent vibe.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Conway will look different than in a major tech hub. The path is less about hopping between giant companies and more about deepening your expertise within local firms or building a remote career.

• Specialty Premiums: In Conway, the highest salaries are paid to developers who can solve local business problems. Expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), data engineering, cybersecurity, and DevOps commands a premium. A developer with 5 years of cloud experience can easily exceed the median salary by $15,000 - $25,000.
• Advancement Paths: Advancement often looks like moving from a developer to a Senior Developer, then to an Architect, Tech Lead, or Manager at one of the major local employers (Acxiom, Dillard’s). Alternatively, you can build a remote career while living in Conway, accessing salaries from coastal tech hubs at a Conway cost of living.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 17% projected job growth, Conway’s tech sector is on a stable upward trend. The University of Central Arkansas is expanding its computer science programs, feeding a pipeline of local talent. For the next decade, Conway will likely remain a strong market for developers who value stability and quality of life over the hyper-competitive, high-stakes environment of coastal cities.

The Verdict: Is Conway Right for You?

This decision comes down to your personal priorities. Conway offers a fantastic balance, but it’s not for everyone.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Value: Your salary goes much further here. Homeownership is achievable.	Network Size: The tech community is smaller. Fewer meetups and conferences.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by major employers, not startups. Less volatility.	Limited High-Growth Startup Scene: Fewer opportunities for equity-based startups.
Quality of Life: Easy commutes, low crime, good schools, outdoor access.	Cultural & Dining Scene: Improving, but smaller than major metros.
Proximity to Little Rock: 30-minute drive for big-city amenities (travel, pro sports).	Car Dependency: You will need a car; public transit is limited.
Strong University Influence: Young, educated population and talent pipeline.	Salaries are a Bit Lower: You trade some earning potential for lower costs.

Final Recommendation

Conway is an ideal choice for software developers who are:

• Early to mid-career and want to build savings or buy a home.
• Prioritizing work-life balance over a relentless hustle culture.
• Specializing in stable, enterprise-level tech stacks (Java, .NET, cloud).
• Seeking a community-oriented environment for raising a family.

Look elsewhere if you are:

• A single person seeking a 24/7 nightlife and dense urban experience.
• An entrepreneur seeking a vibrant, well-funded startup ecosystem.
• A specialist in a hyper-niche field with only a handful of jobs nationwide.

FAQs

1. Do I need to live in Conway, or can I commute from Little Rock?
You can, and many do. The commute is a straight 30-minute drive on I-40. However, living in Conway itself offers a lower cost of living (especially housing), shorter commutes, and a stronger sense of community. If you work downtown Conway, Little Rock adds an unnecessary commute.

2. How competitive is the job market?
It’s competitive for the number of jobs, but not cutthroat. You’re competing with a local talent pool, not a national one. Having a clean portfolio on GitHub and solid interview skills is enough to stand out. Networking through local groups like ARDev can give you an edge.

3. What’s the tech community like?
It’s intimate and growing. You’ll find active .NET and Java user groups, a strong presence from the University of Central Arkansas computer science department, and regular tech meetups hosted at the Conway Innovation Center. It’s easy to get to know everyone if you put in the effort.

4. Is it possible to work remotely while living in Conway?
Absolutely. This is one of Conway’s best-kept secrets. Many developers here work for companies in Austin, Denver, or the West Coast, earning $140,000+ while paying Conway rent ($950) and mortgage rates. The local internet infrastructure is solid, with fiber available in most areas.

5. What’s the weather like for someone considering a move?
Arkansas has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), springs are beautiful but bring severe thunderstorms, falls are pleasant, and winters are mild but can occasionally include ice storms. It’s a consideration if you’re moving from a drastically different climate, but most find it manageable.