Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian 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 | $109,899 | $113,298▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.84 | $54.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,443▲ | $40,113 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,630▲ | $84,722 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,278▲ | $131,939 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,864▲ | $156,778 |
| Total Employed | 40 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Little Rock is $3,399 (3.09%). Little Rock's median is -17.50% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $123,421,Little Rock spans $116,665. 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 ($127,956 effective) pays 0.93% more than Little Rock ($126,783 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 ($164,864)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,956)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,298/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Fort Smith grew 48.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$70,180 (2019) → $104,110 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$94,900 (2019) → $107,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov