Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $388,674▲ | $79,380 |
| Hourly Rate | $186.86▲ | $38.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $225,431▲ | $69,972 |
| 25th Percentile | $279,846▲ | $69,972 |
| 75th Percentile | $470,876▲ | $304,164 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $552,030▲ | $304,164 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Little Rock is $309,294 (389.64%). 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 Fort Smith spans $326,599,Little Rock spans $234,192. 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 ($447,266 effective) pays 403.52% more than Little Rock ($88,828 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 ($388,674/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($552,030)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $447,266)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Fort Smith grew 29.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -74.4% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$285,853 (2024) → $370,166 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$295,471 (2024) → $75,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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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