Benton vs Fayetteville: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $51,562 | $55,055▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.79 | $26.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,835 | $45,151▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,536 | $50,304▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,745▲ | $58,157 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,707▲ | $63,238 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 870▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Benton.
The salary gap between Benton and Fayetteville is $3,493 (6.77%). Fayetteville's median is -29.90% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $42,872,Fayetteville spans $18,087. 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, Fayetteville ($60,266 effective) pays 1.57% more than Benton ($59,335 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,707)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,055/year)
- ✓Larger job market (870 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,266)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Benton grew 30.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.0% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Benton, AR
$38,310 (2024) → $50,031 (2025)
Fayetteville, AR
$40,180 (2019) → $53,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Fayetteville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Benton or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Benton to Fayetteville as a police officer?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov