Bentonville vs Fort Smith: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Bentonville, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bentonville, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,847 | $102,969▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.71 | $49.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,593 | $66,073▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,440 | $79,056▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,597▲ | $112,175 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,713 | $160,093▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bentonville.
The salary gap between Bentonville and Fort Smith is $14,122 (15.89%). Fort Smith's median is -0.51% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bentonville spans $81,120,Fort Smith spans $94,020. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($119,888 effective) pays 17.26% more than Bentonville ($102,241 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bentonville if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,969/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,093)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,888)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Bentonville grew 23.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.9% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Bentonville, AR
$70,396 (2024) → $86,570 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$80,340 (2019) → $100,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bentonville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Bentonville or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bentonville and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Bentonville to Fort Smith as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Bentonville vs Fort Smith?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov