Fort Smith vs North Little Rock: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Fort Smith, AR and North Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | North Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,634 | $66,531▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.08 | $31.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,092▲ | $45,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,290 | $53,787▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,065▲ | $85,160 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,157▲ | $103,123 |
| Total Employed | 520▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Fort Smith and North Little Rock are closely matched on overall accountant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and North Little Rock is $1,897 (2.93%). North Little Rock's median is -22.52% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $65,065,North Little Rock spans $57,523. 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, North Little Rock ($76,560 effective) pays 1.74% more than Fort Smith ($75,254 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,157)
- ✓Larger job market (520 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose North Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,531/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,560)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Fort Smith grew 9.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.9% growth in North Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$57,720 (2019) → $62,990 (2025)
North Little Rock, AR
$55,942 (2024) → $64,839 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
North Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays accountants more: Fort Smith or North Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and North Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to North Little Rock as a accountant?
What do entry-level accountants earn in Fort Smith vs North Little Rock?
Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% 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 Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov