Fayetteville vs Van Buren: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,142▲ | $83,480 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.94▲ | $40.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,422 | $62,196▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,665▲ | $69,130 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,031▲ | $106,296 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,146▲ | $129,395 |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Van Buren.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Van Buren is $1,662 (1.99%). Fayetteville's median is -17.73% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $88,724,Van Buren spans $67,199. Fayetteville 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, Van Buren ($96,064 effective) pays 3.07% more than Fayetteville ($93,201 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 ($85,142/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,146)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Van Buren if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,064)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Fayetteville grew 12.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.0% growth in Van Buren over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$73,760 (2019) → $82,960 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$66,144 (2024) → $81,341 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Fayetteville or Van Buren?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Van Buren?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Van Buren as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Fayetteville vs Van Buren?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov