Fayetteville vs Little Rock: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant 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 | $40,308▲ | $40,004 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.38▲ | $19.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,538▲ | $33,108 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,597▲ | $38,367 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,649▲ | $45,484 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,050▲ | $49,073 |
| Total Employed | 1,270 | 1,660▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Little Rock is $304 (0.76%). 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,Little Rock spans $15,965. Fayetteville 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 1.45% 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,050)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓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 Fayetteville grew 29.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$29,590 (2019) → $38,400 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$32,710 (2019) → $38,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants 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 medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Fayetteville vs Little Rock?
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