Fort Smith vs Russellville: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Russellville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Russellville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $218,913▲ | $209,036 |
| Hourly Rate | $105.24▲ | $100.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $143,524 | $149,562▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $189,550 | $189,888▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $274,364▲ | $259,448 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $315,867▲ | $294,903 |
| Total Employed | 15▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Russellville.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Russellville is $9,877 (4.73%). 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 Fort Smith spans $172,343,Russellville spans $145,341. Fort Smith 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 4.73% more than Russellville ($240,548 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Russellville if…
- ✓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 20.7% growth in Russellville over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$172,391 (2024) → $208,092 (2025)
Russellville, AR
$164,613 (2024) → $198,703 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Russellville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Fort Smith or Russellville?
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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