Conway vs Fort Smith: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Conway, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Conway, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $230,931▲ | $218,913 |
| Hourly Rate | $111.03▲ | $105.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $153,768▲ | $143,524 |
| 25th Percentile | $201,729▲ | $189,550 |
| 75th Percentile | $286,500▲ | $274,364 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $327,149▲ | $315,867 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 15▲ |
Verdict
Conway, AR offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Conway and Fort Smith is $12,018 (5.49%). Conway's median is -7.22% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Conway spans $173,381,Fort Smith spans $172,343. Conway has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Conway ($265,743 effective) pays 5.49% more than Fort Smith ($251,914 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Conway if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($230,931/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($327,149)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $265,743)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Conway grew 33.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.7% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Conway, AR
$165,039 (2024) → $219,516 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$172,391 (2024) → $208,092 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Conway, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Conway or Fort Smith?
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Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov