Web Developer in North Little Rock, AR

The Salary Picture: Where North Little Rock Stands

As someone who's watched the tech scene here evolve from dial-up days to downtown co-working spaces, I can tell you that Web Development in North Little Rock offers a solid, livable wage—especially when you factor in the city's low cost of living. The numbers tell a clear story.

The median salary for a Web Developer in North Little Rock is $89,717/year, with an hourly rate of $43.13/hour. This places you slightly below the national average of $92,750/year, which is typical for our region but offset significantly by the lower living costs. The metro area supports 129 jobs in this field, with a 10-year job growth projection of 16%, indicating a stable, if not explosively growing, market.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level, based on local data and industry trends:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities in NLR
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$65,000 - $78,000	Front-end support, CMS updates, basic full-stack tasks for small firms
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$80,000 - $95,000	Leading projects, API integrations, working with local agencies & healthcare IT
Senior-Level (5-8 yrs)	$95,000 - $115,000	Architecting systems, mentoring, managing client accounts for regional firms
Expert/Lead (8+ yrs)	$115,000 - $140,000+	Tech leadership, specialized stacks (e.g., .NET for govt.), consulting

How North Little Rock Compares to Other Arkansas Cities:

• Little Rock (Metro): Slightly higher median (~$92,500), but rent is 10-15% higher. Commuting from NLR is common.
• Fayetteville/Springdale (NWA): Higher growth and salaries (~$95,000+), but cost of living is rising faster. More corporate tech (Walmart, J.B. Hunt).
• Fort Smith: Lower salaries (~$82,000), with fewer specialized web dev roles. More manufacturing-focused IT.
• Jonesboro: Similar median to NLR but with a smaller job market (~90 jobs). Healthcare and education dominate.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base number. Many local employers, especially in healthcare and government, offer strong benefits packages that add 20-25% in value (e.g., 401k match, health insurance premiums covered).

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. On a median salary of $89,717, your take-home pay after federal, state (4% flat), and FICA taxes will be approximately $68,500/year or ~$5,708/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Web Developer, Median Salary):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Income	$5,708	After taxes
Rent (1BR Average)	$950	Can find quality units from $800-$1,200
Utilities	$150	Includes electric, water, internet (~$70)
Groceries	$350	Competitive prices at Kroger, Walmart, local farmers' markets
Transportation	$250	Gas/car insurance; public transit is limited but exists
Healthcare/Insurance	$200	Employer-subsidized plans common
Entertainment/Dining	$400	Abundant local options (Hillcrest, SoMa)
Savings/Debt	$1,408	25% savings rate is achievable

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, comfortably. The average home price in North Little Rock is ~$180,000-$220,000. With a $200,000 mortgage (20% down payment on a $250,000 home), your monthly payment (PITI) would be roughly $1,200-$1,400. Given your take-home, that’s well within the recommended 30% housing cost limit. Many developers I know buy in areas like Levy or Park Hill within 3-5 years of moving here.

Insider Tip: Property taxes in Pulaski County are moderate (~1.1% of assessed value). Factor that in when budgeting for a home.

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

The job market here is anchored by a mix of healthcare, government, and regional agencies. Remote work is common, but local roles offer stability and networking.

1. Arkansas Children's Hospital & Baptist Health (Little Rock side): Massive IT departments needing web developers for patient portals, internal apps, and public sites. They use a mix of .NET, Java, and modern JS frameworks. Hiring is steady, with a focus on security and compliance.
2. State of Arkansas (IT Services Division): Based in downtown Little Rock (a quick commute), they develop and maintain dozens of public-facing and internal web applications. Strong .NET/ASP.NET stack. Stable, pension-plan jobs with good work-life balance.
3. Dillard's (Corporate HQ, Little Rock): A major e-commerce player. Their web teams handle the main retail site, mobile apps, and internal tools. This is where you find more cutting-edge tech (React, Node.js, cloud services) in a corporate setting.
4. Acxiom (Conway, 30-min commute): A data and marketing tech firm. While not in NLR proper, it's a key regional employer for web developers focused on data-driven applications and SaaS products.
5. Local Digital Agencies (e.g., The Z, Rock City Digital): Smaller, agile shops in downtown Little Rock and the River Market area. These are great for mid-level developers wanting variety, working with local and regional clients. Often more flexible with remote/hybrid options.
6. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS): In Little Rock, a major employer for healthcare web applications, research portals, and educational platforms.
7. Federal Government (Little Rock AFB, VA Hospital): Requires U.S. citizenship and often a security clearance. Web dev roles are in IT support, public affairs, and internal systems.

Hiring Trend: There's a growing need for developers who understand accessibility (WCAG 2.1) and cybersecurity basics, especially in healthcare and government. Full-stack versatility is valued over deep specialization in any one framework.

Getting Licensed in AR

Good news: Arkansas has no state-specific licensing requirement for web developers. There is no equivalent to a "Professional Engineer" license for this field. Your credibility comes from your portfolio, experience, and certifications.

However, there are relevant steps to enhance your credentials:

• Certifications: While not required, vendor-specific certs can help. Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate is valued in the .NET-heavy government/healthcare sector. AWS or Google Cloud certs are useful for cloud-focused roles.
• Costs: Exam fees range from $165 (Microsoft) to $300 (AWS). Study materials (online courses, books) can add $50-$500.
• Timeline: If you have the foundational knowledge, preparing for and passing a certification typically takes 2-4 months of part-time study.
• Background Checks: For government or healthcare jobs, expect background checks and possible drug screening. The process can take 2-6 weeks.

Insider Tip: The Arkansas Department of Information Systems (DIS) is the state's IT arm. Following their career page and LinkedIn can alert you to state government postings.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

North Little Rock has distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and commute pattern. Most tech jobs are in Little Rock (across the river), so your commute is a key factor.

1. Hillcrest (Little Rock, but 5-10 mins from NLR): Trendy, walkable, with breweries, cafes, and a strong community. Very popular with young professionals. Rent is higher here (~$1,200-$1,500 for a 1BR). Commute to downtown Little Rock offices is a breeze (<10 mins).
2. Downtown North Little Rock (Argenta): Historic, revitalizing area with a growing arts scene and local restaurants. Rent is moderate ($900-$1,200). Commute to Little Rock is easy via the I-30 bridge or Broadway St. bridge. Has a more urban, small-town feel.
3. Park Hill (North Little Rock): A classic, stable neighborhood with older homes, tree-lined streets, and good schools. Offers more space for your money. Rent for a 1BR apartment is around $850-$1,000. Commute to Little Rock is 10-15 minutes.
4. Levy (North Little Rock): A suburb with a mix of apartments and single-family homes. Very family-friendly, quiet, and affordable. Rent is among the lowest ($800-$1,000). Commute is 15-20 minutes to downtown Little Rock.
5. The Hill (Little Rock, AR): Adjacent to the Governor's Mansion and historic homes. Very upscale and quiet. Rent is high ($1,400+). Commute to downtown is negligible. Less common for young developers but worth considering for senior roles seeking prestige.

Insider Tip: If you work remotely, Park Hill or Levy offer the best value. If you're in a hybrid role going to an office 2-3 days a week, Argenta or Hillcrest provide the best lifestyle balance.

The Long Game: Career Growth

North Little Rock isn't a Silicon Valley, but it offers a clear path for advancement if you're strategic.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • .NET/Full-Stack .NET Developer: Highest demand in government/healthcare. Can command a 10-15% premium over the median.
  • Front-End Specialist (React/Vue): In demand at agencies and Dillard's. Premium is moderate (5-10%).
  • DevOps/Cloud Engineer: As more companies (like Acxiom) move to cloud, this skill set is growing. Premium can be 15-20%.
  • Accessibility Specialist: A niche but critical area, especially with Arkansas's aging population. Hard to quantify but makes you highly employable.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Technical: Junior → Mid → Senior → Tech Lead/Architect (often at a larger org like Baptist Health or the State).
  2. Management: Senior Dev → Project Manager → IT Director (common path in healthcare and government).
  3. Consulting/Entrepreneurship: Many senior developers in NLR eventually start their own small consultancy, serving local businesses. The low overhead makes this feasible.

• 10-Year Outlook (16% Growth): The growth is steady, not explosive. The key will be remote work. Local developers who can secure remote roles with companies in Austin, Dallas, or Nashville will see salaries jump to the $100,000-$120,000 range while enjoying NLR's cost of living. The local job market will remain stable, anchored by the same major employers.

Insider Tip: Join the Little Rock Tech Meetup group on LinkedIn. It's the best way to hear about unposted jobs and connect with hiring managers.

The Verdict: Is North Little Rock Right for You?

Let's break it down.

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living. Your salary goes much further here.	Smaller, less diverse tech job market. Fewer startups and cutting-edge companies.
Stable, long-term employers. Less volatility than tech-centric cities.	Salaries are below national average. Remote work is key to maximizing income.
Easy, short commutes. 10-20 minutes is typical.	Limited public transit. You'll need a car.
Friendly, collaborative tech community. Easy to network and be seen.	Fewer niche tech roles. You may need to be a generalist.
Great for homeownership. You can buy a home early in your career.	Slower pace of tech innovation. You'll need to proactively learn new tools.

Final Recommendation:
North Little Rock is an excellent choice for web developers who prioritize affordability, work-life balance, and stability over chasing the highest possible salary. It's ideal for:

• Mid-career developers looking to buy a home and build equity.
• Families seeking good schools and a safe, community-oriented environment.
• Developers who can work remotely for a higher salary while living in a low-cost area.

It's less ideal for:

• Early-career developers who want to be surrounded by a bustling, competitive startup scene.
• Those seeking rapid, high-multiple salary jumps every 2-3 years.

The math is compelling: a $89,717 salary here feels more like a $120,000 salary in a major metro when you factor in rent and living costs. If you value quality of life and financial stability over tech hub prestige, North Little Rock is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in North Little Rock?
Yes, absolutely. Public transportation (Rock Region Metro) exists but is not comprehensive. Most developers drive to work or to co-working spaces. The city is built for cars, and commutes are short and easy.

2. How competitive is the job market for entry-level developers?
It's competitive but not cutthroat. There are fewer entry-level openings than in larger cities, but also fewer applicants. Having a solid portfolio (even with personal projects) and a willingness to start at a local agency or in a support role can get your foot in the door. Many entry-level roles are filled through networking.

3. Is it possible to work fully remote from North Little Rock?
Absolutely. This is a growing trend. Many developers here work for companies based out of state. The reliable internet infrastructure (with fiber options in many areas) and low cost of living make it a perfect base for remote work. Just be mindful of time zone differences if working for West Coast companies.

4. What's the tech community like? Is it easy to network?
The community is small but welcoming and active. The Little Rock Tech Meetup hosts regular events (often in the River Market district). There's also an annual Arkansas Tech Summit. Because the scene is smaller, you can become a known face quickly, which is a huge advantage for career growth and finding new opportunities.

5. How does the cost of living really feel day-to-day?
It feels liberating. A nice dinner for two with drinks can be $60-$80. A round of golf at a public course is under $40. You can afford a spacious apartment or a starter home with a yard on a single developer's salary. The financial pressure is significantly lower than in coastal tech hubs, allowing for more savings and less stress.