Accountant Salary in Benton, AR: $66,155 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Benton, AR earns a median $66,155/year (≈ $31.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Benton's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $76,128 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, Benton, AR anticipates an accountant salary of $66,155, a figure significantly lower than the national median of $85,864. The local pay scale reflects a range from $43,986 at the 10th percentile to $102,540 at the 90th percentile, which illustrates the potential variability in compensation based on experience and specialties. These projections are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional cost of living factors. The market in Benton highlights a divide between those entering the profession through larger public accounting firms and those transitioning to corporate roles, where salaries tend to vary accordingly.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,986 | $21.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,265 | $25.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,155 | $31.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,678 | $40.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,540 | $49.29 |
Median Salary Position
22.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
In Benton, AR, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,554 (2026 est.). At $66,155, the local median is 22.95% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Benton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Benton Accountant Pay Compares
Benton median: $66,155/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Benton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $67,505 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | -22.95% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Benton has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Benton, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $66,155 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $76,128 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,126
2025 BLS Actual
$64,472
2026 Current Est.
$66,155
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,126 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,675 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,518 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,096 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,544 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,187 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,472 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,155 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,881 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Benton metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $55,126 (2019) to $64,472 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,881 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,755 (23.14%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $43,986 – $52,265 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,265 – $66,155 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,155 – $84,678 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,678 – $102,540 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Benton
With only five accountants currently employed in Benton, competition for positions is modest, contributing to steady growth within the local market, projected at an annual rate of 2.61%. The cost of living index at 86.9 indicates affordability, allowing accountants to maintain a reasonable standard of living on their salaries. Salary differences within Benton can largely be attributed to the type of employer, with the Big 4 accounting firms generally commanding higher salaries than regional firms or solo practices. Additionally, career advancement potential can significantly increase earning capacity, especially for those pursuing CPA licensure and specialization in areas such as tax or forensic accounting. To maximize accountant pay in Benton, candidates should focus on obtaining relevant certifications and seeking opportunities for advancement within their firms, particularly during busy seasons such as tax season, when overtime can substantially boost their earnings.
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $64,472 for accountantsin the Benton metropolitan area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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