Benton vs Fayetteville: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Benton, AR and Fayetteville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Fayetteville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,466 | $131,775▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.76 | $63.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,201 | $100,409▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,355▲ | $111,043 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,137 | $153,975▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,182 | $166,586▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 600▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Benton.
The salary gap between Benton and Fayetteville is $3,309 (2.58%). Fayetteville's median is -3.72% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $63,981,Fayetteville spans $66,177. Fayetteville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Benton ($147,832 effective) pays 2.48% more than Fayetteville ($144,248 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,832)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,775/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,586)
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Benton grew 29.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Benton, AR
$96,200 (2024) → $124,182 (2025)
Fayetteville, AR
$107,420 (2019) → $127,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Fayetteville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Benton or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Benton to Fayetteville as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Benton vs Fayetteville?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov