Fayetteville vs Fort Smith: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $90,651 | $218,913▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.58 | $105.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,750 | $143,524▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,750 | $189,550▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $159,536 | $274,364▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $282,010 | $315,867▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 15 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Fort Smith is $128,262 (141.49%). Fort Smith's median is -12.05% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $233,260,Fort Smith spans $172,343. Fayetteville 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, Fort Smith ($251,914 effective) pays 153.86% more than Fayetteville ($99,232 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($218,913/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($315,867)
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $251,914)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Fayetteville grew -36.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 20.7% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$135,870 (2021) → $86,170 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$172,391 (2024) → $208,092 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists 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 anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Fayetteville vs Fort Smith?
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