Fort Smith vs Paragould: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Paragould, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Paragould, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,432 | $119,366▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.05 | $57.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,676 | $69,232▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,943 | $98,522▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,624 | $145,540▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,881 | $176,142▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Paragould, AR offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Paragould is $6,934 (6.17%). Paragould's median is -15.11% 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,Paragould spans $106,910. 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, Paragould ($137,360 effective) pays 4.93% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Paragould if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,366/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,142)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,360)
- ✓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 18.8% growth in Paragould over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$42,200 (2019) → $109,200 (2025)
Paragould, AR
$97,623 (2024) → $115,934 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Paragould, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Fort Smith or Paragould?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Paragould?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Paragould as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Fort Smith vs Paragould?
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