Benton vs Fayetteville: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician 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 | $40,061 | $44,095▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.26 | $21.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,685 | $38,804▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,794 | $39,079▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $44,225▲ | $44,095 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,959▲ | $51,048 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Benton.
The salary gap between Benton and Fayetteville is $4,034 (10.07%). Fayetteville's median is -6.30% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $23,274,Fayetteville spans $12,244. 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 ($48,269 effective) pays 4.70% more than Benton ($46,100 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 ($53,959)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,095/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,269)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Benton grew 39.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Benton, AR
$27,242 (2024) → $37,858 (2025)
Fayetteville, AR
$36,330 (2021) → $41,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Fayetteville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Benton or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Benton to Fayetteville as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Benton vs Fayetteville?
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% 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 Aisha Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov