Salaries in Bentonville, AR
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
If you think Bentonville is just a corporate town for Walmart, you haven't looked at the tech salaries. The city’s median household income sits at $108,465—nearly 30% above the national average—yet the cost of living is still 9% cheaper than the U.S. norm. That’s a rare combination in 2026.
Here’s what that means for your wallet. A $100 salary here feels like $109 in spending power. For a software developer earning the local median of $123,823, that’s a real purchasing power of over $136,000. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages just $773 a month. The numbers explain why folks who work remotely but live here are quietly banking savings.
The money flows from two main taps: retail tech and healthcare. Bentonville is the undisputed headquarters of Walmart, and its supplier network is deep. But the real growth is in the software and data roles supporting that ecosystem. You’ll also find a solid base of nurses and accountants keeping the local economy humming. With unemployment at just 3.5%, the job market is tight.
But here’s the honest take: the average salary across all roles is only $55,468. That’s a COL-adjusted $60,954, which is fine but not spectacular. The city works best for dual-income households or those in the top-paying fields like software development. If you’re in a lower-wage industry, that cheap rent won’t stretch as far as you’d hope.
The data below breaks it all down—from what a teacher actually takes home to why electricians are doing surprisingly well. Read on to see where you’d fit.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Bentonville
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Bentonville
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (91/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $123,823 |
| 2 | Accountant | $83,755 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $83,746 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $61,950 |
| 5 | Electrician | $59,888 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $59,820 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $51,656 |
| 8 | Dental Hygienist | $48,650 |
| 9 | Medical Assistant | $48,650 |
| 10 | Paralegal | $48,650 |
| 11 | Web Developer | $48,650 |
| 12 | Project Manager | $48,650 |
| 13 | Police Officer | $48,650 |
| 14 | Graphic Designer | $48,650 |
| 15 | Data Analyst | $48,650 |
| 16 | Plumber | $48,650 |
| 17 | Construction Manager | $48,650 |
| 18 | Human Resources Specialist | $48,650 |
| 19 | Carpenter | $48,650 |
| 20 | Physical Therapist | $48,650 |
| 21 | Financial Analyst | $48,650 |
| 22 | Pharmacist | $48,650 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $48,650 |
| 24 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $48,650 |
| 25 | Firefighter | $48,650 |
| 26 | Welder | $48,650 |
| 27 | Marketing Manager | $48,650 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Bentonville
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Bentonville?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Bentonville. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Bentonville Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Bentonville Worth It?
Here’s my honest verdict: Bentonville is a solid bet if you’re in tech. Software Developers are crushing it here, especially with the cost-of-living adjusted salary hitting $136,069. That’s real purchasing power when rent is only $773/month and the COL index is 91.0.
For everyone else—healthcare, trades, even corporate roles—the math gets tougher. The city’s average salary of $55,468 is respectable, but it won’t stretch as far as the numbers suggest once you factor in lifestyle creep and the area’s rapid growth.
If you’re a developer, move here. If you’re not, do the math carefully. My advice? Lock in a remote or tech-adjacent role before you relocate. Bentonville’s not a gold rush for every industry, but for the right person, it’s a launchpad. Just know what you’re signing up for.