Bentonville vs Fayetteville: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal 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 | $55,885▲ | $51,061 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.87▲ | $24.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,536 | $38,713▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,002▲ | $45,203 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,117▲ | $65,511 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,622▲ | $83,978 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Bentonville, AR offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Bentonville and Fayetteville is $4,824 (9.45%). Bentonville's median is -14.15% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bentonville spans $49,086,Fayetteville spans $45,265. 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 ($64,310 effective) pays 15.06% 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 Bentonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,885/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,622)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,310)
- ✓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 Bentonville grew 36.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.5% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Bentonville, AR
$39,490 (2024) → $53,990 (2025)
Fayetteville, AR
$37,520 (2019) → $49,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bentonville, AR
Fayetteville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Bentonville or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bentonville and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Bentonville to Fayetteville as a paralegal?
What do entry-level paralegals earn in Bentonville vs Fayetteville?
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