Little Rock vs North Little Rock: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Little Rock, AR and North Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Little Rock, AR | North Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,214▲ | $83,955 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.97▲ | $40.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,064▲ | $58,152 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,420▲ | $67,180 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,212▲ | $107,463 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,660▲ | $130,131 |
| Total Employed | 580▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to North Little Rock.
The salary gap between Little Rock and North Little Rock is $1,259 (1.50%). Little Rock's median is -17.66% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Little Rock spans $82,596,North Little Rock spans $71,979. Little Rock has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, North Little Rock ($96,611 effective) pays 1.32% more than Little Rock ($95,356 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,214/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,660)
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose North Little Rock if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,611)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Little Rock grew 10.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.7% growth in North Little Rock over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$75,060 (2019) → $83,030 (2025)
North Little Rock, AR
$69,504 (2024) → $81,804 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
North Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Little Rock or North Little Rock?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov