Fayetteville vs Hot Springs: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $135,153▲ | $126,794 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.98▲ | $60.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,773▲ | $97,513 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,008 | $126,794▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,206▲ | $138,676 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,564▲ | $164,361 |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hot Springs.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Hot Springs is $8,359 (6.59%). Fayetteville's median is -3.73% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $59,791,Hot Springs spans $66,848. Hot Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fayetteville ($147,946 effective) pays 0.03% more than Hot Springs ($147,899 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 ($135,153/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,564)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,946)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Fayetteville grew 34.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in Hot Springs over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$97,480 (2019) → $130,810 (2025)
Hot Springs, AR
$91,856 (2024) → $122,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Hot Springs, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants 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 physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Fayetteville vs Hot Springs?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov