Benton vs Little Rock: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter 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 | $47,347 | $50,563▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.76 | $24.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,462 | $29,327▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,591 | $36,406▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,604 | $64,720▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,388 | $78,373▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 51▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Benton.
The salary gap between Benton and Little Rock is $3,216 (6.79%). Little Rock's median is -32.39% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $45,926,Little Rock spans $49,046. Little Rock has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced court reporters.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Little Rock ($58,185 effective) pays 6.79% more than Benton ($54,484 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,563/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,373)
- ✓Larger job market (51 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,185)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, court reporter salaries in Benton grew 19.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.7% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Benton, AR
$38,310 (2024) → $45,848 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$40,911 (2024) → $48,962 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays court reporters more: Benton or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Benton to Little Rock as a court reporter?
What do entry-level court reporters earn in Benton vs Little Rock?
Written by Maria Gomez, RPR
Career Analyst
Maria Gomez has 10 years of experience in court reporting. She specializes in transcription for civil litigation cases. She works in various courtrooms across the state.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.27% 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 Gomez, RPR, a licensed court reporter with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov