Fayetteville vs Fort Smith: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,047 | $84,111▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.45 | $40.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,862▲ | $61,648 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,803▲ | $71,758 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,319▲ | $87,334 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,301▲ | $103,730 |
| Total Employed | 4,870▲ | 2,180 |
Verdict
Fayetteville and Fort Smith are closely matched on overall registered nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Fort Smith is $2,064 (2.52%). Fort Smith's median is -18.12% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $41,439,Fort Smith spans $42,082. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($97,931 effective) pays 9.04% more than Fayetteville ($89,813 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,301)
- ✓Larger job market (4,870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,111/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,931)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Fayetteville grew 31.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.6% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$59,420 (2019) → $77,910 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$57,630 (2019) → $79,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Fayetteville or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Fort Smith as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Fayetteville vs Fort Smith?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov