Bentonville vs Fayetteville: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Bentonville, AR and Fayetteville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bentonville, AR | Fayetteville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,763 | $40,308▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.63 | $19.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,044 | $33,538▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,518 | $38,597▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $41,000 | $46,649▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,628 | $50,050▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 1,270▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bentonville.
The salary gap between Bentonville and Fayetteville is $1,545 (3.99%). Fayetteville's median is -15.96% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bentonville spans $19,584,Fayetteville spans $16,512. Bentonville 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, Bentonville ($44,606 effective) pays 1.09% more than Fayetteville ($44,123 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bentonville if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,606)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,308/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,050)
- ✓Larger job market (1,270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Bentonville grew 30.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.8% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Bentonville, AR
$28,330 (2024) → $36,928 (2025)
Fayetteville, AR
$29,590 (2019) → $38,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bentonville, AR
Fayetteville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Bentonville or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bentonville and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Bentonville to Fayetteville as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Bentonville vs Fayetteville?
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