Fayetteville vs Hot Springs: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $55,055▲ | $46,222 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.47▲ | $22.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,151▲ | $39,493 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,304▲ | $45,099 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,157▲ | $46,222 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,238 | $67,412▲ |
| Total Employed | 870▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hot Springs.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Hot Springs is $8,833 (19.11%). 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 Fayetteville spans $18,087,Hot Springs spans $27,919. Hot Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fayetteville ($60,266 effective) pays 11.78% more than Hot Springs ($53,916 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 ($55,055/year)
- ✓Larger job market (870 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,266)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,412)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Fayetteville grew 33.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.0% growth in Hot Springs over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$40,180 (2019) → $53,420 (2025)
Hot Springs, AR
$44,400 (2019) → $44,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Hot Springs, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers 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 police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Fayetteville vs Hot Springs?
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