Fayetteville vs Fort Smith: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist 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 | $141,309▲ | $135,963 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.94▲ | $65.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,150 | $123,988▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $132,654▲ | $130,770 |
| 75th Percentile | $160,372▲ | $153,998 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,649▲ | $168,396 |
| Total Employed | 460▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Fort Smith is $5,346 (3.93%). Fayetteville's median is -1.52% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $79,499,Fort Smith spans $44,408. Fayetteville 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 ($158,303 effective) pays 2.34% more than Fayetteville ($154,685 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,309/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,649)
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $158,303)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Fayetteville grew 9.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.1% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$126,360 (2019) → $138,770 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$128,290 (2019) → $133,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Fayetteville or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Fort Smith?
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov