Web Developer in Little Rock, AR

The Salary Picture: Where Little Rock Stands

As a local who’s watched the tech scene here for over a decade, I can tell you that Little Rock offers a compelling value proposition for web developers. The market isn’t as dense as Austin or Nashville, but it’s stable, growing, and provides a quality of life that’s hard to beat. The median salary for a web developer in the metro area is $89,717/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.13/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $92,750/year, but the trade-off is a significantly lower cost of living.

You’re looking at a local job market with 407 active positions, which is a solid number for a mid-sized city. The 10-year job growth projection is 16%, outpacing many other regions and indicating a healthy, expanding demand for tech talent. This isn’t a boomtown; it’s a sustainable market.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary expectations based on experience level. Note that these are local averages; senior developers at major employers like Acxiom or Windstream can command premiums well above the median.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Little Rock)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $70,000	Basic front-end tasks, WordPress sites, junior testing, learning frameworks like React/Vue.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$75,000 - $95,000	Full-stack capabilities, API integration, database management, independent feature development.
Senior-Level (5-8 yrs)	$95,000 - $120,000+	System architecture, mentoring, leading projects, complex problem-solving, DevOps familiarity.
Expert/Lead (8+ yrs)	$120,000 - $150,000+	Technical direction, cross-team strategy, specialized expertise (e.g., security, performance), CTO-track roles.

When you compare Little Rock to other Arkansas cities, the story is similar but with a key difference. Fayetteville (home to the University of Arkansas and Walmart's vendor ecosystem) has a slightly higher median salary, closer to $92,000, but the cost of living is also higher. Hot Springs and Fort Smith have lower salaries (often below $80,000) and far fewer opportunities. Little Rock, as the state capital and largest metro (203,844 population), offers the best balance of salary, opportunity, and urban amenities in Arkansas.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. For a single filer with no dependents, earning $89,717/year in Arkansas (which has a progressive income tax), your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes will be approximately $66,500 - $68,000 annually, or about $5,550 - $5,650 per month. This is an estimate; use a paycheck calculator for your specific situation.

The cornerstone of affordability here is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the metro area is $950/month. This is a fraction of what you’d pay in a major coastal city.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for a web developer earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,600	After taxes (approx.)
Rent (1BR avg)	$950	Can be lower or higher by neighborhood.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200	Internet is widely available; providers include AT&T Fiber and Cox.
Groceries	$400	Competitive pricing at local chains like Kroger, Walmart, and the excellent Farmers' Market.
Transportation	$300	Assumes a car payment/insurance + gas. Little Rock is not a public transit city.
Healthcare	$250	Varies by employer; many local tech companies offer good plans.
Entertainment/Dining	$400	Plenty of affordable options from Hillcrest cafes to River Market food trucks.
Savings/Debt	$2,100	Leftover for student loans, retirement (401k), or savings. That’s nearly $2,500/month in discretionary funds.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $89,717 salary and the current median home price in Little Rock around $200,000 - $240,000, a 20% down payment is $40,000 - $48,000. Given the savings potential outlined above, a disciplined developer could save for a down payment in 2-3 years. Monthly mortgage payments (with taxes and insurance) would likely be in the $1,300 - $1,500 range, which is very manageable on this salary. The 89.1 Cost of Living Index (US avg = 100) makes homeownership realistic, not just a distant dream.

Where the Jobs Are: Little Rock's Major Employers

The job market is anchored by a mix of corporate headquarters, healthcare giants, and a growing number of tech-first companies. You won’t find FAANG offices, but you will find stable, well-paying jobs with excellent benefits. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Acxiom: A global data and marketing technology firm headquartered in Conway (a 30-minute drive from downtown Little Rock). They are one of the largest local tech employers, hiring for front-end, back-end, and full-stack roles to support their massive data platforms. Insider Tip: They have a strong internship-to-hire pipeline and often sponsor tech talks at local meetups.

2. Windstream: A major telecommunications provider with its HQ in Little Rock. Their internal IT and digital teams hire web developers to manage customer portals, internal tools, and their public-facing web presence. The work is often enterprise-level, focusing on reliability and scale.

3. Arkansas Children’s Hospital & UAMS (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences): The healthcare sector is a massive employer. Both institutions have large IT departments that need web developers for patient portals, research sites, and internal applications. These are stable, mission-driven jobs with fantastic benefits and a strong focus on accessibility and security.

4. Innodata / Verisk (formerly ISO): These are large data and analytics companies with significant Little Rock footprints. They build complex data visualization tools and client-facing dashboards, which require skilled front-end and full-stack developers. The work is technical and often involves handling large datasets.

5. Local Digital Agencies: Agencies like Mighty and The Buzz Agency provide a different pace. They work with a variety of clients (from local businesses to national brands), offering a chance to work on diverse projects. Pay can be slightly less than corporate, but the portfolio building and creative freedom are major perks.

6. Startups & Scale-Ups: The venture capital scene is small but growing. Look at companies in the The Venture Center in downtown Little Rock. They host a lot of fintech and logistics tech startups (like Clevyr and DataPath). These roles carry more risk but offer equity and rapid growth potential.

Hiring Trends: There’s a clear shift toward full-stack developers who know a modern JavaScript framework (React is the most common locally) and have some DevOps or cloud (AWS/Azure) familiarity. Security clearance is a huge plus for jobs at defense contractors in the region (like at the nearby Little Rock Air Force Base or with contractors serving them).

Getting Licensed in AR

This is the easiest part. For web development, Arkansas has no state-specific licensing requirements. You do not need a state license to practice as a web developer. The field is unregulated, and your portfolio and skills are your primary credentials.

However, there are professional certifications that can boost your resume and salary potential, offered by national bodies:

• Certified Web Professional (CWP): Offered by the International Web Association. Costs around $250 for the exam.
• AWS Certified Developer - Associate: Highly valued in the local market, especially with employers like Acxiom and Windstream. Exam fee is $150.
• CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ or Security+: Good for developers looking to move into DevOps or security-focused roles. Exams are $120-$350.

Timeline to Get Started: If you have a portfolio, you can apply for jobs immediately. If you’re starting from scratch, a reputable coding bootcamp (online or in-person) can take 3-6 months. Local community colleges like UA Little Rock also offer certificate programs. There are no mandatory state exams or background checks beyond what an employer requires.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Little Rock is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute profile. Traffic is generally manageable, but I-30 and I-630 can be bottlenecks during rush hour.

1. Hillcrest: This is the classic Little Rock neighborhood—charming bungalows, walkable to coffee shops (Mugs Cafe), bakeries (Community Bakery), and bars (The Hibernian). It’s central, 5-10 minutes from downtown offices. The vibe is young professional, artsy, and friendly. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a 1BR. Commute: 5-15 minutes to most downtown jobs.

2. The Heights / Midtown: Upscale and quiet, with larger homes and mature trees. It’s just west of Hillcrest, less walkable but very bikeable. Great for developers who want a peaceful home office environment. You’re still close to all the action. Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,400/month. Commute: 10-20 minutes.

3. Downtown / River Market: The urban core. Perfect for those who want to be in the thick of it—walk to the Arkansas Symphony, Clinton Library, and the bustling River Market district. New apartment complexes offer modern amenities. Best for developers who work downtown and want to ditch the car. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,600/month. Commute: 0-5 minutes (walk/bike).

4. West Little Rock: More suburban, with newer apartment complexes and shopping centers (like the Promenade at Chenal). It’s where many families settle. The commute to downtown can be 20-30 minutes via I-630, but you get more space for your money. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month. Commute: 20-30 minutes.

5. North Little Rock (Park Hill / Argenta): Technically a separate city, but part of the metro. Argenta is its own arts district with a walkable main street, theaters, and great restaurants. Commutes across the river bridges are the main consideration. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,100/month. Commute: 10-25 minutes (bridge traffic dependent).

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Little Rock, growth is less about title inflation and more about skill diversification. The 16% 10-year job growth signal means there will be more opportunities, but they will require more advanced skills.

Specialty Premiums: Developers who specialize in high-demand niches can see significant salary bumps above the $89,717 median.

• Full-Stack with Cloud (AWS/Azure): +15-25%. Essential for scaling applications.
• Front-End with UX/UI Design Skills: +10-15%. The ability to bridge design and code is rare and valued.
• Security-Focused Development: +20%+. With healthcare and finance in the region, secure coding is paramount.
• Headless CMS & JAMstack Expertise: +10%. Many agencies and marketing teams are moving in this direction.

Advancement Paths: The traditional route is from Junior to Senior to Lead/Manager. However, many local developers find success by moving into Product Management (using their technical background to guide business strategy) or Technical Sales Engineering (for local SaaS companies). Another path is to become a Specialist Consultant, working with multiple local agencies or going freelance. The low cost of living makes freelancing a more viable option here than in expensive cities.

10-Year Outlook: The 16% growth is promising. Expect more fintech and health-tech startups to emerge, leveraging the local talent pool and lower operational costs. Remote work is also a factor—many local developers now work for out-of-state companies while enjoying Little Rock’s affordability, which can push local salaries upward. The key is to avoid stagnation; the market rewards those who continuously learn.

The Verdict: Is Little Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Affordability: A $89,717 salary goes very far, with home ownership within reach.	Limited High-Profile Employers: No FAANG, fewer networking events than tech hubs.
Stable, Growing Market: 407 jobs and 16% growth indicate a healthy, sustainable tech scene.	Salaries are Below National Average: You trade salary for cost of living.
High Quality of Life: Short commutes, vibrant neighborhoods (Hillcrest, River Market), outdoor activities (Arkansas River Trail).	Car Dependency: Public transit is weak; you'll need a car.
Friendly Tech Community: The local meetup scene (e.g., Little Rock Devs) is supportive and accessible.	Slower Pace: If you crave the energy of a 24/7 tech city, this might feel quiet.
Strong in Key Sectors: Healthcare and data provide stable, long-term career paths.	Limited International Cuisine: Food scene is improving, but don't expect NYC-level diversity.

Final Recommendation: Little Rock is an outstanding choice for web developers who prioritize work-life balance, affordability, and a stable career over chasing the highest possible salary. It’s ideal for mid-career developers looking to buy a home, start a family, or escape the grind of a major metro. It’s also a great landing spot for junior developers who can build a strong portfolio without being priced out of the market. If you’re driven by constant, high-stakes innovation and want to be in the epicenter of tech trends, you might eventually feel the need to leave. But for a 5-10 year plan, it’s hard to beat the value.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find a job in Little Rock as a web developer?
A: With 407 jobs and a 16% growth rate, the market is active but competitive. Having a portfolio with 2-3 deployed projects is non-negotiable. Networking through local groups like Little Rock Devs or attending events at The Venture Center can give you a significant edge. Tailor your applications to local employers like Acxiom or healthcare systems.

Q: What’s the commute really like?
A: It’s generally good. Most tech jobs are concentrated in downtown, the River Market, or the western suburbs (Chenal). Rush hour (7-8 AM, 5-6 PM) sees traffic on I-30 and I-630, but typical commutes are 15-25 minutes. Living in Hillcrest or the Heights keeps you centrally located.

Q: Do I need a car?
A: Yes, for all practical purposes. While downtown is walkable, the city sprawls, and public transportation (Rock Region Metro) is limited. Most developers live in neighborhoods like Hillcrest or the Heights and drive to work. The cost of car ownership is factored into the low cost of living.

Q: How does the local tech community compare to larger cities?
A: It’s smaller but more tight-knit and accessible. You won’t have the same volume of meetups as in Seattle, but the ones that exist (JavaScript, Python, DevOps) are well-attended and collaborative. It’s easier to build a reputation and network here. Major events like the Arkansas Tech Summit draw regional talent.

Q: What about remote work?
A: It’s very common. Many local developers work remotely for companies in Texas, Colorado, or the East Coast, earning national-level salaries while paying Little Rock rent. The city’s reliable internet (thanks to AT&T Fiber and Cox) and low cost of living make it a perfect base for remote workers. This trend is likely to boost the local salary average over the next decade.