Accountant Hourly Pay in Benton, AR: $31.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a accountant working in Benton, AR runs $31.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,155 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Weighted against Benton's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,698 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, AR, the projected 2026 accountant hourly pay stands at $31.81, significantly below the national median of $41.28. This discrepancy suggests potential challenges for both full-time and part-time accountants in the region. For instance, a part-time accountant working three days a week could take home approximately $49,138 annually, while a full-time counterpart would earn around $66,155. The entry-level range starts at about $21.15, while experienced professionals can command up to $49.29 per hour. With a cost of living index of 86.9, attractive work environments such as corporate finance departments, IRS field offices, and remote setups during tax season present opportunities for accountants looking to balance income and lifestyle. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data and reflect the local job market's conditions.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Accountant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.15 | $169.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.13 | $201.03 |
| Median (P50) | $31.81 | $254.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.71 | $325.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.29 | $394.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Benton
Based on $31.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.81/hr, a accountant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Benton, AR can expect to earn approximately $66,163 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,171. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Benton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Benton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,272.36 | $5,514 | $66,163 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $763.42 | $3,308 | $39,698 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $508.95 | $2,205 | $26,465 |
Compare CPA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Accountant (Benton) | $31.81 |
| Financial Analyst (National Avg) | $47.61 |
| Bookkeeping / Accounting Clerk (National Avg) | $22.93 |
| Auditor (National Avg) | $39.88 |
| Tax Examiner / Collector (National Avg) | $29.61 |
Accountants in Benton, AR earn a median of $66,155 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.95% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $67,505.
Accountant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.81/hr = $39,698/year (purchasing power: $45,682).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,163/year (purchasing power: $76,137).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Accountants in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for accountants in Benton grew 17.0% from $26.51/hr (2019) to $31.00/hr (2025). At a 2.61% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.64/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem accountants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Accountant in Benton
As Benton continues to grow, the landscape for part-time and per diem accounting work evolves as well. Part-time accountants can achieve meaningful earnings, but the disparity in income highlights why many choose to pursue full-time benefits. Per-diem accountant pay in Benton can vary widely; those in specialized engagements, such as forensic accounting, may bill between $300-$600 per hour while working as expert witnesses. Conversely, those affiliated with top public accounting firms often range from $80 to $130 per hour during busy seasons. It's notable that while some firms provide lower hourly rates, they also offer sustainable benefits like health insurance, making them attractive to many accountants. Negotiating terms can often lead to increased hourly compensation, especially for professionals with niche skills. Understanding the differences in employer types—from Big 4 firms to boutique practices—can further influence earning potential across the accounting landscape in Benton, AR.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for accountants in Benton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov