Salaries in North Little Rock, AR
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 39 occupations · BLS + Census data
Here’s the thing about North Little Rock: you can make over $150,000 here and live like a king. A marketing manager pulling $152k here has a purchasing power equivalent to someone earning $171k in an average U.S. city. That’s a wild advantage most people don’t associate with Arkansas.
The math is brutally simple. With a cost of living index of 89.1—11% below the national average—your paycheck stretches. A median household income of $51,236 feels modest until you factor in a one-bedroom apartment renting for $950 a month. That’s not just affordable; it’s a runway. The COL-adjusted average salary here jumps to $76,335, suggesting that for many, the local economy offers a better deal than the raw numbers imply.
This isn’t a boomtown built on tech. North Little Rock’s anchor is healthcare and logistics. Baptist Health is a massive employer, and the city’s role as a transportation hub supports a steady demand for project and construction managers. The software developer salaries are notable, but they’re likely serving the healthcare and corporate sectors here, not a Silicon Valley-style startup scene. The low 3.5% unemployment rate means you’re not fighting for scraps.
But here’s the catch I didn’t expect: despite the favorable COL, the median income is still below the national average. It’s a great place to build wealth if you’re in one of the top-paying fields, but the path to that six-figure salary isn’t as wide as in bigger metros. It works beautifully for skilled professionals, especially those with families who want space and a slower pace.
The data below breaks down who’s earning what and where the real opportunities lie.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in North Little Rock
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 39 Occupations in North Little Rock
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (89/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in North Little Rock
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in North Little Rock?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in North Little Rock. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ North Little Rock Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is North Little Rock Worth It?
Here's the honest verdict: North Little Rock isn't going to make you rich overnight, but it punches way above its weight if you know how to play the game. With a cost-of-living index of 89.1 and rent at just $950 a month, your paycheck stretches further here than almost anywhere else. That $68k average salary feels more like $76k once you factor in the savings.
The real winners? Marketing Managers are absolutely cleaning up, with a COL-adjusted salary of over $171k. But honestly, the sweet spot is for skilled tradespeople and healthcare workers - the demand is steady, the cost of living is low, and you can actually afford a decent house.
If you're considering the move, here's my advice: don't just chase the highest salary number - look at what's left after rent and bills. In North Little Rock, that's usually a lot more than you'd expect.