Benton vs Little Rock: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Benton, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,837 | $138,581▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.79 | $66.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,626 | $91,028▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,267 | $114,022▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $168,332▲ | $151,337 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,446▲ | $184,755 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Benton.
The salary gap between Benton and Little Rock is $1,744 (1.27%). Little Rock's median is -6.89% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $117,820,Little Rock spans $93,727. Benton 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, Benton ($157,465 effective) pays 1.54% more than Little Rock ($155,075 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,446)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,465)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,581/year)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Benton grew 59.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.9% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Benton, AR
$83,430 (2024) → $133,110 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$89,310 (2019) → $134,806 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MS
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in cloud architecture. She specializes in cloud security and compliance. She works in a technology consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.80% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MS, a licensed cloud architect with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov