Software Developer in North Little Rock, AR

The Salary Picture: Where North Little Rock Stands

North Little Rock offers a compelling salary proposition for Software Developers, especially when you factor in the low cost of living. While the median salary of $123,098/year ($59.18/hour) sits slightly below the national average of $127,260/year, the financial stretch goes much further here. The metro area is home to 387 Software Developer jobs, with a robust 10-year job growth projection of 17%, indicating a healthy and expanding tech ecosystem.

To understand the landscape, let's break it down by experience level. These figures are local estimates based on the median and comparable AR market data.

| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Key Local Employers for This Level |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 yrs) | $85,000 - $98,000 | Startups, IT departments at mid-size firms (e.g., Bank of the Ozarks), intern-to-hire programs. |
| Mid-Level (3-6 yrs) | $105,000 - $135,000 | Dassault Systèmes, Simtrol, Inc., healthcare IT (Arkansas Children's, Baptist Health). |
| Senior (7-10 yrs) | $130,000 - $160,000 | Lead roles at Dassault, Fidelity National Information Services (FIS), state government projects. |
| Expert/Architect (10+ yrs) | $155,000 - $190,000+ | Principal/Solutions Architect roles at major firms, high-level consulting, defense contractors. |

Insider Tip: Don't just look for the "Software Developer" title. In North Little Rock, you'll find significant opportunities in DevOps, Data Engineering, and Cybersecurity attached to traditional developer roles, especially in the healthcare and financial services sectors. These specializations often command a premium.

How does this stack up against other cities in Arkansas? While Little Rock (the capital, directly adjacent) has more volume, the salary differential is minimal, making NLR a strategic choice for avoiding downtown congestion.

City	Estimated Mid-Level Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Vibe
North Little Rock	$115,000 - $125,000	89.1	Steady growth, strong corporate presence.
Little Rock	$118,000 - $128,000	~90	Larger volume, more government/healthcare roles.
Fayetteville (NWA)	$110,000 - $120,000	~93	Startup-heavy, university-driven, more competitive.
Fort Smith	$100,000 - $110,000	~85	Manufacturing-focused, fewer pure tech roles.

Personal Insight: The 17% job growth isn't evenly distributed. It's heavily fueled by the expansion of data centers, the tech arms of healthcare giants, and the continued digitization of Arkansas's massive logistics and food processing industries. If you have skills in cloud infrastructure (AWS/Azure) or data pipelines, you're entering the market at the perfect time.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $123,098 feels very different in North Little Rock than it does in, say, Austin or Denver. Let's run the numbers for a single filer with no dependents (using rough estimates for federal/state taxes and the local average rent).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Software Developer Earning $123,098:

• Gross Monthly Income: $10,258
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, AR State, FICA): ~$2,800
• Net Monthly Income: ~$7,458
• Average 1BR Rent (NLR): $950
• Remaining Monthly Budget: $6,508

This leaves a substantial $6,508 for utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, savings, and discretionary spending. A 20% down payment on a median-priced home in NLR (~$250,000) is $50,000. With this budget, saving that amount is feasible within 8-12 months with disciplined spending, making homeownership an attainable goal rather than a distant dream.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The local market is one of the most affordable in the nation for professionals with this income level. Many developers in the area purchase homes in the $250,000 - $350,000 range, often with 15-year mortgages, building equity rapidly.

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

The job market is anchored by a mix of international tech firms, regional healthcare systems, and national financial services.

1. Dassault Systèmes (Little Rock office, located near I-40 in NLR): A global leader in 3D design software. They have a significant software development and QA presence in the area, focusing on their ENOVIA and 3DEXPERIENCE platforms. Hiring is steady for Java, C++, and full-stack developers.

   • Hiring Trend: Active, with a focus on experienced engineers for their enterprise software divisions.

2. Fidelity National Information Services (FIS): A massive financial technology provider with a large office in nearby Little Rock (minutes from NLR). They handle payment processing and banking software. Roles here range from mainframe support to modern cloud development.

   • Hiring Trend: Consistent hiring for legacy system modernization and new digital banking products.

3. Arkansas Children's Hospital & Baptist Health: Both major healthcare systems have substantial IT departments. They are heavily invested in Epic (electronic health record) systems, custom patient portals, and data analytics for patient care.

   • Hiring Trend: Strong demand for .NET, Python, and SQL developers, as well as DevOps engineers to manage their critical infrastructure.

4. Simtrol, Inc.: A NLR-based software company specializing in customer service and ITSM (IT Service Management) solutions. They are a true local tech employer, offering a more agile, product-focused environment.

   • Hiring Trend: Growing, with a focus on full-stack developers (JavaScript frameworks, Python) for their SaaS platform.

5. Bank of the Ozarks (now OZK): A major regional bank headquartered in Little Rock. Their tech division is a significant employer for developers working on internal banking software, mobile apps, and security.

   • Hiring Trend: Steady, with a preference for developers with a strong understanding of security and compliance (FINRA, SOX).

6. Acxiom (Conway, AR - 30 min commute): A data marketing and analytics giant. While based in Conway, it's a major pull for NLR residents. They employ hundreds of developers in data engineering, cloud architecture, and marketing automation.

   • Hiring Trend: High demand for data engineers (Python, Spark, SQL) and cloud architects (AWS, Azure).

Insider Tip: The "Arkansas IT Jobs" LinkedIn group and the Little Rock Tech Meetup page are where the real, unposted opportunities surface. Many local companies, especially mid-sized ones, rely on these community channels for initial candidate sourcing.

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Getting Licensed in AR

For Software Developers, "licensing" is not a state-regulated profession like nursing or law. You do not need a state license to practice. However, there are critical certifications and registrations that hold weight locally.

• State-Specific Requirements: None for general software development. For specialized fields like cybersecurity consulting for state agencies, you may need to pass a background check, but no specific license is required.
• Key Certifications (Widely Recognized in AR):
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect / Developer: Highly sought after by employers like Dassault and Acxiom.
  • Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA): Valuable for DevOps roles in healthcare and finance.
  • Scrum Master (CSM): Common in Agile environments, especially at FIS and Simtrol.
• Costs & Timeline:
  • AWS Associate Exam: ~$150. Study time: 2-3 months part-time.
  • CKA Exam: ~$395. Study time: 3-4 months of hands-on practice.
  • Getting Started: You can begin applying for jobs immediately with a strong portfolio. While in the role, you can pursue these certifications, often with employer reimbursement.

Personal Insight: In the Arkansas market, a strong portfolio on GitHub often outweighs a stack of certifications for mid-level roles. For senior positions, however, the AWS or Azure certs become a key differentiator, especially for companies undergoing cloud migration.

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Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

North Little Rock's neighborhoods offer distinct lifestyles, all within a short commute to major employers.

Neighborhood	Commute to Dassault/FIS	1BR Rent Estimate	Vibe & Best For
Hillcrest (Historic District)	10-15 min	$1,000 - $1,300	Walkable, historic, artsy. Young professionals who want character and proximity to downtown Little Rock's restaurants.
Park Hill	10-12 min	$900 - $1,100	Family-friendly, established, with good schools. Popular with developers who want space and a quiet setting.
Indian Hills/ lakewood	15-20 min	$850 - $1,100	Mid-century modern homes, larger lots. Ideal for those seeking a suburban feel with quick access to I-40.
The Hill (NLR)	8-12 min	$800 - $1,050	Quiet, residential, close to McCain Mall area. Good for those who prioritize a short, easy commute above all.
Downtown NLR	5-10 min	$950 - $1,200	Up-and-coming, walkable to local breweries and shops. Best for developers who want an urban vibe without Little Rock's price tag.

Commute Note: Traffic in the Little Rock/North Little Rock metro is minimal compared to major cities. A 15-minute commute is standard, even during rush hour. Living in NLR often means a reverse commute if you work in Little Rock, which is a major perk.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for Software Developers in North Little Rock is positive but requires strategic positioning.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Data Engineering: +15-20% above base median. Critical for Acxiom, healthcare analytics.
  • Cloud/DevOps: +10-15% above base median. Fueled by enterprise migration (Dassault, FIS).
  • Cybersecurity: +12-18% above base median. A growing need in banking and state government.
  • Full-Stack (React/Node.js): +5-10% above base median. Steady demand across all sectors.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Technical Track: Junior -> Mid -> Senior -> Lead/Principal Engineer -> Solutions Architect. This is the most common path in larger firms like Dassault and FIS.
  2. Management Track: Senior Developer -> Engineering Manager -> Director of Engineering. Requires strong soft skills and is available in mid-sized companies (Simtrol, Baptist Health).
  3. Consulting/Entrepreneurship: Use your expertise to consult for local manufacturing/logistics companies or launch a niche SaaS product. The low cost of living makes bootstrapping viable.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 17% growth indicates a market that will mature. Expect more specialization. The "generalist" developer will find work, but the data/cloud/security specialist will command top dollar and have the most options. The rise of remote work has also made NLR an attractive base for developers seeking a lower cost of living while working for national companies.

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The Verdict: Is North Little Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Affordable Cost of Living (Index: 89.1). Your salary stretches much further.	Limited "Pure Tech" Scene: Fewer startups and tech conferences vs. major hubs.
Stable, Growing Job Market (17% growth, 387 jobs) in major industries (Fintech, Healthcare, Aerospace).	Cultural & Diversity Gaps: Smaller, less diverse city compared to coastal metros.
Short, Easy Commutes. Traffic is a non-issue for most residents.	Rate of Change is Slower: Fewer cutting-edge tech meetups or rapid industry shifts.
Excellent Work-Life Balance. The city's pace supports hobbies, family, and outdoor activities.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity.
Homeownership is Within Reach. A median salary can secure a nice home in a good neighborhood.	Social Scene is More "Small-Town": Networking can be more personal and less formal.

Final Recommendation: North Little Rock is an ideal choice for mid-career developers (5-15 years experience) seeking financial stability, homeownership, and a balanced lifestyle. It's perfect for those who value quality of life over the constant buzz of a major tech hub. It's also a smart move for senior developers looking to stretch their savings into a leadership role at a stable company. It may be less ideal for early-career developers who thrive on the energy of large, dense tech communities and frequent networking events.

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FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a job as a Software Developer with no experience in Arkansas?
It's competitive but not impossible. Focus on local internships (Dassault, FIS, and banks often have programs), build a strong portfolio, and network at local tech meetups. Entry-level salaries are solid ($85k+), but you need to demonstrate practical skills.

2. What is the tech community like? Is it easy to network?
The community is tight-knit and welcoming. The Little Rock Tech Meetup is the main hub, with regular events on everything from Python to UX. It's easier to build meaningful connections here than in a saturated market, but you must be proactive to attend events.

3. How does the healthcare industry impact tech jobs?
Massively. Arkansas Children's and Baptist Health are massive employers. They offer stable, well-paying tech roles focused on .NET, SQL, and data systems. Understanding healthcare data standards (like HL7) is a huge plus.

4. Are remote jobs common? Can I live in NLR and work remotely for a coastal company?
Yes, and this is a growing trend. Many local developers work remotely for companies in Texas, California, or the East Coast. The reliable internet infrastructure in NLR supports this. Doing so allows you to enjoy the local cost of living while potentially earning a higher, national-market salary.

5. What's the best way to research companies before moving?
Use LinkedIn to filter for Software Developers in the "Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway" metro area. Look at where they work. Check company websites for their tech stack. Also, use the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the "Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR" metro area to validate trends and salary bands.