Little Rock vs Paragould: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Little Rock, AR and Paragould, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Little Rock, AR | Paragould, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,375▲ | $81,209 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.05▲ | $39.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,470▲ | $57,072 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,740▲ | $68,877 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,876▲ | $94,430 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,253▲ | $114,229 |
| Total Employed | 11,550▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paragould.
The salary gap between Little Rock and Paragould is $4,166 (5.13%). 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 Little Rock spans $56,783,Paragould spans $57,157. Paragould 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, Little Rock ($95,536 effective) pays 2.23% more than Paragould ($93,451 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 ($85,375/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,253)
- ✓Larger job market (11,550 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,536)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Paragould if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Little Rock grew 23.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in Paragould over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$65,630 (2019) → $81,070 (2025)
Paragould, AR
$57,725 (2024) → $77,114 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
Paragould, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Little Rock or Paragould?
What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Paragould?
Should I relocate from Little Rock to Paragould as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Little Rock vs Paragould?
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