Benton vs Fort Smith: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Benton, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,083▲ | $92,241 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.71▲ | $44.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,149▲ | $48,309 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,460▲ | $64,799 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,706▲ | $117,568 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,379 | $165,143▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Benton and Fort Smith are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Benton and Fort Smith is $2,842 (3.08%). Benton's median is -43.12% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $92,230,Fort Smith spans $116,834. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Benton ($109,417 effective) pays 1.88% more than Fort Smith ($107,397 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,083/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,417)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,143)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Benton grew -4.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.5% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Benton, AR
$95,348 (2024) → $90,815 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$70,770 (2019) → $88,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov