Registered Nurse Salary in Little Rock, AR: $69,037 (2026)

Registered Nurse Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median registered nurse salary of $69,037, which is $2,437 above the Arkansas state average of $66,600. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $69,037 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,353 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Little Rock spans from $48,790 at the 10th percentile to $102,680 at the 90th percentile — a $53,890 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,300, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $97,750. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $49,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$49,300

$-8,700 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$69,700

$-12,300 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$97,750

$-17,250 vs national

Percentile	Little Rock	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$48,790	$47,068	$57,400
25th Percentile	$56,780	$54,776	$66,800
Median (50th)	$69,037	$66,600	$81,220
75th Percentile	$85,935	$82,902	$101,100
90th Percentile	$102,680	$99,056	$120,800

Percentile

Little Rock

10th Percentile

$48,790

25th Percentile

$56,780

Median (50th)

$69,037

75th Percentile

$85,935

90th Percentile

$102,680

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Little Rock

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Little Rock and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Little Rock may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Little Rock, AR? ▼

The median registered nurse salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $69,037 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $48,790 (10th percentile) to $102,680 (90th percentile).

How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Little Rock? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $69,037, a registered nurse in Little Rock earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for registered nurse pay? ▼

Little Rock's median registered nurse salary of $69,037 is 3.7% above the Arkansas state average of $66,600. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼

Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $69,037 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Little Rock? ▼

Most registered nurse positions in Little Rock require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Registered Nurse Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas