Fayetteville vs Jonesboro: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,071▲ | $102,470 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.48▲ | $49.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,177▲ | $74,847 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,259▲ | $82,091 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,308 | $115,903▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,046▲ | $126,036 |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 190 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jonesboro.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Jonesboro is $4,601 (4.49%). Fayetteville's median is +1.69% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $47,869,Jonesboro spans $51,189. Jonesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jonesboro ($119,323 effective) pays 1.81% more than Fayetteville ($117,206 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 ($107,071/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,046)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,323)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Fayetteville grew 16.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$89,440 (2019) → $104,500 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$81,700 (2019) → $100,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Fayetteville or Jonesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Jonesboro?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Jonesboro as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Fayetteville vs Jonesboro?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov