Fayetteville vs Little Rock: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,775▲ | $131,050 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.35▲ | $63.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,409 | $104,009▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $111,043 | $111,312▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $153,975 | $155,020▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,586 | $222,718▲ |
| Total Employed | 600 | 1,360▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville and Little Rock are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Little Rock is $725 (0.55%). 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 Fayetteville spans $66,177,Little Rock spans $118,709. Little Rock 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, Little Rock ($146,647 effective) pays 1.66% 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 Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,775/year)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($222,718)
- ✓Larger job market (1,360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,647)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Fayetteville grew 18.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$107,420 (2019) → $127,380 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$102,950 (2019) → $126,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Fayetteville or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Little Rock as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Fayetteville vs Little Rock?
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