Fayetteville vs Springdale: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Springdale, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Springdale, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,047 | $83,331▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.45 | $40.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,862▲ | $57,947 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,803▲ | $67,289 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,319▲ | $96,066 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,301 | $116,972▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,870▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Springdale, AR offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Springdale is $1,284 (1.56%). Springdale's median is -18.88% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $41,439,Springdale spans $59,025. Springdale has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springdale ($95,893 effective) pays 6.77% 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 Fayetteville if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Springdale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,331/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,972)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,893)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Fayetteville grew 31.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.2% growth in Springdale over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$59,420 (2019) → $77,910 (2025)
Springdale, AR
$59,416 (2024) → $79,129 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Springdale, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Fayetteville or Springdale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Springdale?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Springdale as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Fayetteville vs Springdale?
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