Here is a comprehensive career guide for Data Analysts considering Fayetteville, Arkansas.

---

The Data Analyst's Guide to Fayetteville, Arkansas

Hey there. If you’re a Data Analyst eyeing Fayetteville, you’re looking at a market that’s growing fast but still feels like a well-kept secret. I’ve lived here for years, watched the tech scene evolve from a few local startups to a real hub, and I’ve crunched the numbers for you. This isn’t a sales pitch; it’s a breakdown of what your life and career would actually look like here.

Let’s get into the data.

The Salary Picture: Where Fayetteville Stands

First, the big question: what can you expect to earn? Fayetteville’s Data Analyst salaries are competitive for the region, especially when you factor in Arkansas’s low cost of living. The city’s median salary sits at $81,109/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.99/hour. While that’s slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, the local economy makes that number go much further.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown by experience level. These figures are specific to the Fayetteville-Bentonville metro area (Bureau of Labor Statistics data, local job postings, and industry surveys).

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Local Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$55,000 - $68,000	Often starts at local marketing firms, the university, or hospital systems. Strong SQL skills are non-negotiable.
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	This is the sweet spot. You’ll find plenty of roles at major employers like Tyson or J.B. Hunt. Specializing in a tool like Power BI or Tableau pushes you to the higher end.
Senior (6-10 yrs)	$88,000 - $105,000	Senior Analysts often lead projects at the University of Arkansas or take on specialized roles in retail analytics (Walmart, anyone?).
Expert/Lead (10+ yrs)	$110,000+	These roles are less common but exist. Think Director of Analytics at a regional healthcare system or a lead data scientist at a Bentonville-based tech vendor.

Insider Tip: Your leverage for a higher salary increases dramatically if you have experience with retail analytics or supply chain logistics. Given the proximity to Walmart’s headquarters and a dense network of suppliers, these are the most valued—and best-paid—skills in the region.

How does Fayetteville compare to other Arkansas cities?

• Little Rock: Salaries are slightly higher (median ~$85k), but the cost of living is also higher, and the job growth is slower.
• Bentonville: Salaries can be significantly higher ($90k+ median) due to Walmart's presence, but the housing market is more expensive and competitive. Fayetteville offers a better balance for lifestyle and cost.
• Fort Smith: Salaries are lower (median ~$70k) with fewer tech-focused roles. Fayetteville is the clear winner for career growth in data.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real: a salary is just a number. What matters is what you can actually afford. Let’s break down the monthly budget for a Data Analyst earning the Fayetteville median of $81,109/year.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $6,759
• Taxes (Est. 25%): -$1,690 (Federal, State, FICA)
• Net Monthly Income: $5,069

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (Average 1BR)	$924	This is the metro average. You can find cheaper ($750) or spend more ($1,200) in nicer areas.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200	Arkansas has mild summers compared to other parts of the South, but AC is still a must.
Groceries	$400	Fayetteville has good grocery options (Walmart, Harps, local co-ops).
Transportation	$350	Includes gas and car insurance. A car is essential here; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$350	Varies by employer, but a good estimate for a single person.
Entertainment/Dining	$500	This town loves its local breweries, live music, and restaurants.
Savings/Debt/Other	$2,345	This is your real take-home.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Fayetteville is around $280,000. With your estimated savings of $2,345/month, you could comfortably save for a down payment while living well. A 20% down payment ($56,000) is achievable in 2-3 years of disciplined saving. A 30-year mortgage on a $280,000 home at current rates would be roughly $1,600-$1,700/month (including taxes and insurance), which is manageable on a $6,759 gross income.

Where the Jobs Are: Fayetteville's Major Employers

The job market here isn't just one company; it's a diverse ecosystem. There are 203 Data Analyst jobs in the metro area right now, a number that's grown steadily. Here are the key players, based on local job boards and my own observations.

1. University of Arkansas (U of A): A massive employer. They need analysts for everything from student retention and enrollment forecasting to research data management. Great benefits and job stability. Hiring is consistent, especially at the start of fiscal years (July).
2. Tyson Foods (Headquarters in Springdale): A global giant just minutes away. They have massive data needs in supply chain, food safety, and consumer sales. They often hire analysts with experience in predictive modeling and warehouse logistics.
3. J.B. Hunt Transport Services (Headquarters in Lowell): One of the largest trucking and logistics companies in North America. They are data-driven to the core. They need analysts to optimize routes, predict maintenance, and analyze freight costs. A hotbed for SQL and Python skills.
4. Walmart (Supplier & Tech Hub): While Walmart’s headquarters is in Bentonville, its influence is everywhere. Hundreds of tech vendors and suppliers have offices in Fayetteville to serve Walmart. Look for companies like Cognizant, Infosys, and Accenture, all of which have local teams working on Walmart projects.
5. Northwest Health - Willow Creek & Washington Regional Medical Center: The two major hospital systems are increasingly hiring data analysts for patient outcome tracking, operational efficiency, and billing analytics. This is a growing niche.
6. Local Tech Startups: The Arkansas Research & Technology Park is home to biotech, ag-tech, and SaaS startups. They’re smaller but offer a chance to wear many hats and directly influence strategy.
7. Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA): The state government has a significant presence, needing analysts for revenue forecasting, audit support, and public data reporting.

Getting Licensed in AR

Here’s the good news: There is no state-specific license required to work as a Data Analyst in Arkansas. The field is not regulated like accounting or nursing.

What you do need:

• A Degree: Most employers require a bachelor’s in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Business Analytics, or a related field.
• Certifications (Optional but Recommended): While not legally required, these are critical for competitiveness.
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: Great for entry-level.
  • Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate: Highly valued in corporate settings (especially with Power BI).
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist: Another key tool for visualization.
  • Cost: $100 - $200 per exam.
• Timeline: There’s no "licensing timeline," but you can prepare for a certification in 1-3 months of dedicated study.

Insider Tip: The biggest credential in this region is your portfolio. Build a public GitHub with projects that use local or publicly available Arkansas data (e.g., analyzing U of A enrollment trends or housing sales in Washington County). This speaks louder than any certificate.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Where you live impacts your commute and lifestyle. Fayetteville is walkable in pockets, but you’ll likely drive. Here are the top areas for a Data Analyst, keeping in mind the major employers are spread between Fayetteville, Springdale, and Lowell.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
Downtown Fayetteville	Urban, walkable, vibrant. Home to Dickson Street, coffee shops, and the Walton Arts Center. A 10-15 min drive to most places.	$1,000 - $1,400	Young professionals who want nightlife and a true "city" feel.
East Fayetteville (Razorback Rd area)	Quieter, residential. Close to the U of A campus and shopping plazas. Very central, easy access to I-49.	$850 - $1,100	Analysts working at the University or who want a calm, convenient home base.
North Fayetteville / Johnson	Family-friendly, slightly suburban. Good mix of older homes and new apartments. Close to the upcoming 54 Bypass.	$900 - $1,200	Those seeking more space, a quieter neighborhood, and easy access to Springdale.
Dickson Street Area	The heart of the entertainment district. Can be noisy on weekends. You are walking distance to everything.	$950 - $1,300	The social butterfly who doesn't mind the buzz.
West Fayetteville (near Wedington)	More suburban feel, with newer apartment complexes. A bit farther from downtown but closer to outdoor access (Lake Fayetteville).	$800 - $1,000	Great for a balance of affordability and modern amenities.

Commute Note: The worst traffic is on I-49 and Highway 71 during rush hour (7:30-8:30 AM, 4:30-5:30 PM). Living in Fayetteville and commuting to Springdale is very common and manageable (20-25 mins).

The Long Game: Career Growth

Fayetteville isn't a dead-end for your career. The 10-Year Job Growth for Data Analysts in the region is projected at 36%, far outpacing the national average. Here’s how to grow:

• Specialty Premiums: Specializing in Supply Chain Analytics or Retail Analytics can command a 15-20% salary premium due to the local demand. Learning cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) is also a major differentiator.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Data Analyst → Senior Data Analyst: 3-5 years. Focus on mastering one industry (e.g., retail or logistics).
  2. Senior Analyst → Analytics Manager: Requires strong communication and project management skills. You’ll be directing a small team.
  3. Analytics Manager → Director of Analytics: Found in larger organizations like Tyson or Washington Regional. This is a strategic leadership role.
• Networking: Join the Arkansas Data Science Community (meetups, often in Fayetteville or Bentonville). The tech scene here is collaborative, not cutthroat. It’s easy to get an introduction.

The Verdict: Is Fayetteville Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice is personal. Here’s a straightforward look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches significantly further than on the coasts.	Limited Job Market: While growing, you won’t find the volume of roles you see in Austin or Atlanta. You may need to be flexible on industry.
Growing Tech Scene: 36% growth indicates a healthy, expanding market.	Car Dependency: You practically need a car. Public transit is limited.
Outdoor Lifestyle: World-class biking trails, Lake Fayetteville, and the Ozarks are at your doorstep.	Cultural Scene: Great for a city its size, but it’s not a major metropolitan hub. You’ll drive to concert tours or major sporting events.
Major Employers: Stable jobs at Tyson, J.B. Hunt, and the University.	Housing Competition: While more affordable, the rental market is tightening, especially near campus and downtown.
Friendly & Collaborative: The local business community is tight-knit. Easy to network.	Walmart Influence: The economy is heavily tied to retail. If that sector dips, the local market feels it.

Final Recommendation:
Fayetteville is an excellent choice for a Data Analyst who values work-life balance, affordability, and a growing career. It’s ideal for:

• Early-career analysts looking to build a strong resume without crushing debt.
• Mid-career professionals seeking a better quality of life and a change of pace.
• Outdoor enthusiasts who want trails and lakes minutes from their office.

If you’re seeking the absolute highest salary and a non-stop, global metropolis, look elsewhere. But if you want a solid career, a comfortable life, and a place where your data skills can truly make an impact in a growing community, Fayetteville is a fantastic bet.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to get a job in Fayetteville without local experience?
It’s not easy, but it’s far from impossible. Employers here value skills and a strong portfolio. Tailor your resume to local industries (retail, logistics, healthcare). Be prepared to explain why you want to move to Fayetteville—show you’ve done your research and it’s a genuine choice.

2. How is the work-life balance?
Generally, very good. The culture here is less about "hustle" and more about hours spent outdoors. Standard office hours are 8-5, with many companies offering flexibility. The commute is short, leaving more time for evening activities or family.

3. What’s the biggest mistake new analysts make in Fayetteville?
Underestimating the importance of local context. Your analysis on national trends is great, but if you can speak to how the Razorback football schedule impacts local business revenue or how Tyson’s seasonal cycles affect supply chain data, you’ll stand out.

4. Are there remote opportunities?
Yes, but they’re often supplementary. Many local analysts work hybrid schedules. Fully remote roles exist but are more common with companies based outside Arkansas. If you have a fully remote job, Fayetteville is a fantastic place to live while earning a national salary.

5. What’s the best way to find housing?
Check Facebook Marketplace, Zillow, and local property management sites like The Property Group or JM Thompson. The rental market moves fast, especially near the University. Start your search 60-90 days before your move date. September is the hardest month to rent (student influx).