Little Rock vs Paragould: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter 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 | $50,563▲ | $47,212 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.31▲ | $22.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,327▲ | $27,383 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,406▲ | $36,154 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,720▲ | $60,432 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,373▲ | $73,178 |
| Total Employed | 51▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paragould.
The salary gap between Little Rock and Paragould is $3,351 (7.10%). Little Rock's median is -32.39% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Little Rock spans $49,046,Paragould spans $45,795. 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, Little Rock ($58,185 effective) pays 7.10% more than Paragould ($54,329 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 ($50,563/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,373)
- ✓Larger job market (51 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,185)
- ✓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, court reporter salaries in Little Rock grew 19.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.7% growth in Paragould over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$40,911 (2024) → $48,962 (2025)
Paragould, AR
$38,200 (2024) → $45,717 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
Paragould, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays court reporters 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 court reporter?
What do entry-level court reporters earn in Little Rock vs Paragould?
Written by Maria Gomez, RPR
Career Analyst
Maria Gomez has 10 years of experience in court reporting. She specializes in transcription for civil litigation cases. She works in various courtrooms across the state.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.27% 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 Maria Gomez, RPR, a licensed court reporter with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov