Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist 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 | $112,432 | $117,745▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.05 | $56.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,676 | $70,806▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,943 | $82,656▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,624 | $131,984▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,881 | $179,058▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Little Rock is $5,313 (4.73%). Little Rock's median is -16.26% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $112,205,Little Rock spans $108,252. 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, Little Rock ($131,759 effective) pays 0.65% more than Fort Smith ($130,905 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,745/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,058)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,759)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Fort Smith grew 158.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 54.7% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$42,200 (2019) → $109,200 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$73,940 (2019) → $114,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Fort Smith or Little Rock?
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov