Fayetteville vs Fort Smith: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $83,979▲ | $45,254 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.37▲ | $21.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,682▲ | $26,247 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,876▲ | $32,583 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,979▲ | $57,926 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,079▲ | $70,145 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Fort Smith is $38,725 (85.57%). Fayetteville's median is +4.46% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $54,397,Fort Smith spans $43,898. 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 ($91,928 effective) pays 76.53% more than Fort Smith ($52,076 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 ($83,979/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,079)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,928)
- ✓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, data analyst salaries in Fayetteville grew 17.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -36.9% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$68,256 (2024) → $80,378 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$68,605 (2024) → $43,314 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Fayetteville or Fort Smith?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov