Fayetteville vs Fort Smith: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner 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 | $131,775 | $133,730▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.35 | $64.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,409 | $104,609▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $111,043 | $113,371▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $153,975▲ | $150,623 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,586 | $177,510▲ |
| Total Employed | 600▲ | 270 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Fort Smith is $1,955 (1.48%). Fort Smith's median is -2.29% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $66,177,Fort Smith spans $72,901. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($155,703 effective) pays 7.94% more than Fayetteville ($144,248 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,730/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,510)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,703)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Fayetteville grew 18.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.1% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$107,420 (2019) → $127,380 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$110,420 (2019) → $129,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners 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 nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Fayetteville vs Fort Smith?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov