Benton vs Jonesboro: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Benton, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,874 | $135,963▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.85 | $65.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,567 | $116,351▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $122,616 | $132,593▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $151,807 | $156,238▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,555 | $170,382▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Jonesboro, AR offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Benton.
The salary gap between Benton and Jonesboro is $1,089 (0.81%). Jonesboro's median is -5.25% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $64,988,Jonesboro spans $54,031. 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, Jonesboro ($158,325 effective) pays 2.01% more than Benton ($155,206 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,963/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,382)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $158,325)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Benton grew 24.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.0% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Benton, AR
$106,416 (2024) → $132,450 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$129,660 (2019) → $133,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Benton or Jonesboro?
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov