Benton vs Fayetteville: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Benton, AR and Fayetteville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Fayetteville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,418▲ | $51,061 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.64▲ | $24.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,244▲ | $38,713 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,757 | $45,203▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,187▲ | $65,511 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,850▲ | $83,978 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Benton, AR offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Benton and Fayetteville is $4,357 (8.53%). Benton's median is -14.87% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $46,606,Fayetteville spans $45,265. 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, Benton ($63,772 effective) pays 14.09% more than Fayetteville ($55,894 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,418/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,850)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,772)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Benton grew 36.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.5% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Benton, AR
$39,161 (2024) → $53,539 (2025)
Fayetteville, AR
$37,520 (2019) → $49,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Fayetteville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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 Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov