Jonesboro vs Little Rock: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Jonesboro, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jonesboro, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,326 | $69,214▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.79 | $33.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,289 | $45,129▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,634 | $55,272▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $58,017 | $83,918▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,254 | $86,526▲ |
| Total Employed | 21 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jonesboro.
The salary gap between Jonesboro and Little Rock is $23,888 (52.70%). Little Rock's median is -13.91% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jonesboro spans $43,965,Little Rock spans $41,397. Jonesboro 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, Little Rock ($77,452 effective) pays 48.49% more than Jonesboro ($52,159 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,214/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,526)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,452)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Jonesboro grew -36.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -34.0% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Jonesboro, AR
$68,712 (2024) → $43,382 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$100,370 (2023) → $66,246 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jonesboro, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Jonesboro or Little Rock?
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Should I relocate from Jonesboro to Little Rock as a data analyst?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov