Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $45,254 | $69,214▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.75 | $33.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,247 | $45,129▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,583 | $55,272▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,926 | $83,918▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,145 | $86,526▲ |
| Total Employed | 15 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, 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 Little Rock is $23,960 (52.95%). Little Rock's median is -13.91% 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,Little Rock spans $41,397. 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, Little Rock ($77,452 effective) pays 48.73% 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 Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,214/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,526)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,452)
- ✓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 -34.0% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$68,605 (2024) → $43,314 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$100,370 (2023) → $66,246 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Fort Smith or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Little Rock as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Fort Smith vs Little Rock?
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