Fort Smith vs North Little Rock: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer 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 | $92,241 | $100,957▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.35 | $48.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,309 | $58,555▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,799 | $72,689▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $117,568 | $129,225▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,143▲ | $156,484 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Fort Smith and North Little Rock are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and North Little Rock is $8,716 (9.45%). North Little Rock's median is -39.61% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $116,834,North Little Rock spans $97,929. 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, North Little Rock ($116,176 effective) pays 8.17% 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 Fort Smith if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,143)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose North Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,957/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,176)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Fort Smith grew 24.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in North Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$70,770 (2019) → $88,100 (2025)
North Little Rock, AR
$94,933 (2024) → $96,425 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
North Little Rock, 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