The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Rogers

This analysis treats a $100,000 salary as raw data, not a lifestyle promise. We focus on what hits your bank account and what it can actually buy in Rogers.

1. The Verification Test

A $100,000 salary is a "gross" number. The government takes its share before you see a dime.

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax (Est.): -$14,368
• FICA (7.65%): -$7,650
• Arkansas State Tax (Est.): -$4,500 (AR has a progressive tax structure; this is a weighted estimate for this bracket).
• Estimated Annual Net Pay: $73,482
• Estimated Monthly Net Pay: $6,123

Note: Your actual net pay varies based on 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, and precise filing status.

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20 Rule)

Using $6,123 monthly net income.

Needs (50% - $3,061)

• Rent (1BR Avg): $924
• Utilities (Electric/Heating/Water): $180
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance): $350
• Remaining for Needs: $1,207 (Held for insurance, phone, debt payments).

Wants (30% - $1,837)

• This is your discretionary budget for dining out, entertainment, and subscriptions.

Savings (20% - $1,224)

• This is your actual wealth-building figure. $1,224 is what you have left to invest or save after all living expenses are accounted for.

3. Rogers Tax Context

Arkansas is not a low-tax haven, but it is manageable compared to the coasts.

• Vs. Texas/Florida: You pay ~$4,500 more in state income tax here than you would in a zero-income-tax state.
• Vs. California/NY: You save roughly $5,000 - $7,000 annually in state taxes compared to high-tax coastal states.

Purchasing Power Verdict: The lack of state income tax in TX/FL boosts your net pay significantly. In Rogers, you rely on the lower cost of living (specifically $924 rent) to offset the tax burden.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
It is a solid upper-middle-class income. However, $100k today does not buy the lifestyle it did five years ago. You will be comfortable, but you are not "rich" if you are supporting a family solely on this income.

"Local income tax?"
No. Rogers does not levy a local city income tax. You only owe Federal and Arkansas State taxes.