Fayetteville vs Fort Smith: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist 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 | $135,794▲ | $112,432 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.29▲ | $54.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,279▲ | $59,676 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,170▲ | $75,943 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,529▲ | $131,624 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $226,162▲ | $171,881 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Fort Smith is $23,362 (20.78%). Fayetteville's median is -3.43% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $162,883,Fort Smith spans $112,205. 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, Fayetteville ($148,648 effective) pays 13.55% more than Fort Smith ($130,905 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 ($135,794/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($226,162)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,648)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Fayetteville grew 46.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 158.8% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$90,180 (2019) → $131,890 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$42,200 (2019) → $109,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists 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 optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Fayetteville vs Fort Smith?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov