Fort Smith vs North Little Rock: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Fort Smith, AR and North Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | North Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $218,913 | $232,460▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $105.24 | $111.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $143,524 | $156,245▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $189,550 | $204,874▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $274,364 | $294,937▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $315,867 | $341,403▲ |
| Total Employed | 15 | 15 |
Verdict
North Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and North Little Rock is $13,547 (6.19%). North Little Rock's median is -6.60% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $172,343,North Little Rock spans $185,158. North Little Rock has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, North Little Rock ($267,503 effective) pays 6.19% 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 Fort Smith if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose North Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($232,460/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($341,403)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $267,503)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Fort Smith grew 20.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.0% growth in North Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$172,391 (2024) → $208,092 (2025)
North Little Rock, AR
$166,132 (2024) → $220,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
North Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Fort Smith or North Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and North Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to North Little Rock as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Fort Smith vs North Little Rock?
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