Fort Smith vs North Little Rock: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer 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 | $102,969▲ | $83,955 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.51▲ | $40.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,073▲ | $58,152 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,056▲ | $67,180 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,175▲ | $107,463 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,093▲ | $130,131 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to North Little Rock.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and North Little Rock is $19,014 (22.65%). 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 Fort Smith spans $94,020,North Little Rock spans $71,979. 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, Fort Smith ($119,888 effective) pays 24.09% more than North Little Rock ($96,611 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose North Little Rock if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Fort Smith grew 24.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.7% growth in North Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$80,340 (2019) → $100,330 (2025)
North Little Rock, AR
$69,504 (2024) → $81,804 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
North Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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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