Conway vs Fayetteville: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Conway, AR and Fayetteville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Conway, AR | Fayetteville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,561▲ | $82,047 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.18▲ | $39.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,861 | $67,862▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,791 | $77,803▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,946 | $101,319▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,226▲ | $109,301 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 4,870▲ |
Verdict
Conway, AR offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Conway and Fayetteville is $1,514 (1.85%). Conway's median is -18.66% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Conway spans $56,365,Fayetteville spans $41,439. Conway 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, Conway ($96,158 effective) pays 7.06% more than Fayetteville ($89,813 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Conway if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,561/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,226)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,158)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Conway grew 38.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Conway, AR
$57,259 (2024) → $79,348 (2025)
Fayetteville, AR
$59,420 (2019) → $77,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Conway, AR
Fayetteville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov