Benton vs Little Rock: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Benton, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,440 | $40,004▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.49 | $19.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,296 | $33,108▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $31,973 | $38,367▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $40,534 | $45,484▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,773 | $49,073▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,660▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Benton.
The salary gap between Benton and Little Rock is $1,564 (4.07%). Little Rock's median is -16.59% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $17,477,Little Rock spans $15,965. Benton 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 ($44,765 effective) pays 1.20% more than Benton ($44,235 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,004/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($49,073)
- ✓Larger job market (1,660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,765)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Benton grew 30.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Benton, AR
$28,094 (2024) → $36,620 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$32,710 (2019) → $38,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Benton or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Benton to Little Rock as a medical assistant?
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov