Development Director Jobs in Little Rock, AR

Little Rock, Arkansas$84,550 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Development Director Salary in Little Rock

Entry Level
$52,955
Median
$84,550
Senior Level
$122,820

Development Director salaries in Little Rock are 11% below the national average, though the lower cost of living often provides similar purchasing power.

Purchasing power in Little Rock is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Development StrategyMajor GiftsBoard RelationsTeam LeadershipFundraising

Development Director Job Market in Little Rock

Little Rock, AR is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Development Director professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Little Rock offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Healthcare leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Development Director roles across various sectors. The market for Development Director positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Development Directors in Little Rock

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Development Directors in Little Rock include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Development Directors in Little Rock

Living in Little Rock as a Development Director means navigating a cost of living that's below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious professionals. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Housing costs are manageable for Development Director salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

89
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Development Director in Little Rock

Little Rock Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Development Directors in Little Rock: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Development Director professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Arkansas

Arkansas has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Development Directors

The job outlook for Development Directors in Little Rock is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Little Rock offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Development Strategy, Major Gifts, Board Relations, Team Leadership.

Relocating to Little Rock

Little Rock's affordable cost of living means your Development Director salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Development Director salary in Little Rock, AR?

The average Development Director salary in Little Rock, AR is $84,550 per year. Entry-level Development Directors typically start around $52,955, while experienced professionals can earn $122,820 or more. The national average for Development Director roles is $95,000.

How many Development Director jobs are available in Little Rock?

Little Rock has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Development Director professionals. Major employers hiring Development Directors include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Healthcare and Government sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Little Rock a good city for Development Directors?

Little Rock is an solid choice for Development Directors. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for nonprofit professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Development Directors in Little Rock?

Top skills for Development Directors in Little Rock include Development Strategy, Major Gifts, Board Relations, Team Leadership, Fundraising. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Development Directors in Little Rock?

Little Rock's cost of living is below the national average (89% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Little Rock is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Development Directors in Little Rock?

Little Rock Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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