Fayetteville vs Fort Smith: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist 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 | $386,697 | $388,674▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $185.91 | $186.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $224,284 | $225,431▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $278,422 | $279,846▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $457,604 | $470,876▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $531,094 | $552,030▲ |
| Total Employed | 18▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Fort Smith is $1,977 (0.51%). Fort Smith's median is -12.05% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $306,810,Fort Smith spans $326,599. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($447,266 effective) pays 0.51% more than Fayetteville ($444,991 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Larger job market (18 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($388,674/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($552,030)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $447,266)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Fayetteville grew 29.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.5% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$284,399 (2024) → $368,283 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$285,853 (2024) → $370,166 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists 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 radiologist?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov