Jonesboro vs Van Buren: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Jonesboro, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jonesboro, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,326▲ | $41,504 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.79▲ | $19.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,289▲ | $25,736 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,634▲ | $30,937 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,017▲ | $53,125 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,254▲ | $64,330 |
| Total Employed | 21▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Jonesboro, AR offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Van Buren.
The salary gap between Jonesboro and Van Buren is $3,822 (9.21%). Jonesboro's median is -43.62% 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,Van Buren spans $38,594. 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, Jonesboro ($52,159 effective) pays 9.21% more than Van Buren ($47,761 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,326/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,254)
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,159)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Van Buren if…
- ✓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 -36.9% growth in Van Buren over the same period.
Jonesboro, AR
$68,712 (2024) → $43,382 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$62,917 (2024) → $39,724 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jonesboro, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Jonesboro or Van Buren?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jonesboro and Van Buren?
Should I relocate from Jonesboro to Van Buren as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Jonesboro vs Van Buren?
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