Fort Smith vs Springdale: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Springdale, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Springdale, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,730 | $133,835▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.29 | $64.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,609▲ | $101,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,371 | $117,220▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $150,623 | $158,666▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,510▲ | $175,706 |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Fort Smith and Springdale are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Springdale is $105 (0.08%). Springdale's median is -2.21% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $72,901,Springdale spans $74,706. Springdale 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 1.10% more than Springdale ($154,010 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,510)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,703)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Springdale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,835/year)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Fort Smith grew 17.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.0% growth in Springdale over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$110,420 (2019) → $129,270 (2025)
Springdale, AR
$98,735 (2024) → $129,372 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Springdale, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Fort Smith or Springdale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Springdale?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Springdale as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Fort Smith vs Springdale?
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