Conway vs Little Rock: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Conway, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Conway, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,561 | $85,375▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.18 | $41.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,861 | $63,470▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,791 | $78,740▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,946 | $99,876▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,226 | $120,253▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 11,550▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Conway.
The salary gap between Conway and Little Rock is $1,814 (2.17%). Little Rock's median is -16.89% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Conway spans $56,365,Little Rock spans $56,783. Little Rock has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Conway ($96,158 effective) pays 0.65% more than Little Rock ($95,536 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Conway if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,158)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,375/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,253)
- ✓Larger job market (11,550 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Conway grew 38.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.5% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Conway, AR
$57,259 (2024) → $79,348 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$65,630 (2019) → $81,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Conway, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Conway or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Conway and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Conway to Little Rock as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Conway vs Little Rock?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov