Fayetteville vs Van Buren: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,152▲ | $90,091 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.53▲ | $43.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,976▲ | $52,253 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,310▲ | $64,866 |
| 75th Percentile | $202,092▲ | $115,317 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $340,558▲ | $139,642 |
| Total Employed | 810▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Van Buren.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Van Buren is $42,061 (46.69%). Fayetteville's median is -20.95% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $265,582,Van Buren spans $87,389. 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, Fayetteville ($144,661 effective) pays 39.54% more than Van Buren ($103,672 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 ($132,152/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($340,558)
- ✓Larger job market (810 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,661)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Van Buren if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Fayetteville grew 53.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.8% growth in Van Buren over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$82,290 (2019) → $126,220 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$90,343 (2024) → $86,047 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov