Benton vs Fayetteville: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect 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 | $136,837▲ | $124,269 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.79▲ | $59.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,626 | $91,373▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,267▲ | $91,917 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,332▲ | $167,713 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,446▲ | $192,138 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Benton, AR offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Benton and Fayetteville is $12,568 (10.11%). Benton's median is -8.06% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $117,820,Fayetteville spans $100,765. 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, Benton ($157,465 effective) pays 15.76% more than Fayetteville ($136,032 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,837/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,446)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,465)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Benton grew 59.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.8% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Benton, AR
$83,430 (2024) → $133,110 (2025)
Fayetteville, AR
$95,350 (2019) → $120,884 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Fayetteville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MS
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in cloud architecture. She specializes in cloud security and compliance. She works in a technology consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.80% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MS, a licensed cloud architect with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov