Hot Springs vs Little Rock: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Hot Springs, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hot Springs, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,319 | $62,617▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.52 | $30.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,605▲ | $49,203 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,258 | $54,340▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,388 | $65,058▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,775 | $72,912▲ |
| Total Employed | 410 | 2,470▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hot Springs.
The salary gap between Hot Springs and Little Rock is $3,298 (5.56%). Little Rock's median is -8.01% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hot Springs spans $18,170,Little Rock spans $23,709. Little Rock has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Little Rock ($70,070 effective) pays 1.27% more than Hot Springs ($69,193 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,617/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,912)
- ✓Larger job market (2,470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,070)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Hot Springs grew 45.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.3% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Hot Springs, AR
$38,610 (2019) → $56,120 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$44,430 (2019) → $59,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hot Springs, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Hot Springs or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hot Springs and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Hot Springs to Little Rock as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Hot Springs vs Little Rock?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov