Little Rock vs Van Buren: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Little Rock, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Little Rock, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,399▲ | $95,049 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.23▲ | $45.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,452 | $78,294▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,609 | $83,202▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,831▲ | $111,171 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,591▲ | $120,909 |
| Total Employed | 1,040▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Van Buren.
The salary gap between Little Rock and Van Buren is $7,350 (7.73%). Little Rock's median is -2.74% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Little Rock spans $54,139,Van Buren spans $42,615. Little Rock 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 ($114,586 effective) pays 4.76% more than Van Buren ($109,377 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,399/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,591)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,586)
- ✓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, physical therapist salaries in Little Rock grew 24.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Van Buren over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$80,570 (2019) → $99,940 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$70,984 (2024) → $92,767 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Little Rock or Van Buren?
What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Van Buren?
Should I relocate from Little Rock to Van Buren as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Little Rock vs Van Buren?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov