Fayetteville vs Fort Smith: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,002 | $105,077▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.79 | $50.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,174 | $78,089▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,874 | $82,968▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,608 | $107,228▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,939▲ | $107,228 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Fayetteville and Fort Smith are closely matched on overall ultrasound technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Fort Smith is $16,075 (18.06%). Fort Smith's median is +3.68% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $40,765,Fort Smith spans $29,139. Fayetteville 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 ($122,342 effective) pays 25.57% more than Fayetteville ($97,426 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,939)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,077/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,342)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Fayetteville grew 29.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 54.0% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$65,450 (2019) → $84,820 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$65,040 (2019) → $100,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Fayetteville or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Fort Smith as a ultrasound technologist?
What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Fayetteville vs Fort Smith?
Written by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Ravi has 10 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist. He specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging. He works in a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% 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 Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov