Fayetteville vs Hot Springs: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Hot Springs, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Hot Springs, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,308▲ | $38,419 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.38▲ | $18.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,538▲ | $32,005 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,597▲ | $37,359 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,649 | $47,772▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,050 | $50,228▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,270▲ | 260 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hot Springs.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Hot Springs is $1,889 (4.92%). 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 Fayetteville spans $16,512,Hot Springs spans $18,223. Hot Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hot Springs ($44,814 effective) pays 1.57% 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 Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,308/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,228)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,814)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Fayetteville grew 29.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Hot Springs over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$29,590 (2019) → $38,400 (2025)
Hot Springs, AR
$30,440 (2019) → $36,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Hot Springs, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Fayetteville or Hot Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Hot Springs?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Hot Springs as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Fayetteville vs Hot Springs?
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