Fort Smith vs Jonesboro: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,254 | $45,326▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.75 | $21.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,247 | $26,289▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,583 | $32,634▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,926 | $58,017▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,145 | $70,254▲ |
| Total Employed | 15 | 21▲ |
Verdict
Jonesboro, AR offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Jonesboro is $72 (0.16%). Jonesboro's median is -43.62% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $43,898,Jonesboro spans $43,965. Jonesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jonesboro ($52,159 effective) pays 0.16% 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 Fort Smith if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,326/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,254)
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,159)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Fort Smith grew -36.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -36.9% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$68,605 (2024) → $43,314 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$68,712 (2024) → $43,382 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Fort Smith or Jonesboro?
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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