Bryant vs Fort Smith: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Bryant, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bryant, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,712 | $92,241▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.09 | $44.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,193▲ | $48,309 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,032▲ | $64,799 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,392 | $117,568▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,153 | $165,143▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bryant.
The salary gap between Bryant and Fort Smith is $529 (0.58%). Fort Smith's median is -44.82% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bryant spans $88,960,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, Fort Smith ($107,397 effective) pays 1.76% more than Bryant ($105,537 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bryant if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,241/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,143)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,397)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Bryant grew -4.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.5% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Bryant, AR
$91,968 (2024) → $87,595 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$70,770 (2019) → $88,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bryant, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Bryant or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bryant and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Bryant to Fort Smith as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Bryant vs Fort Smith?
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