Fort Smith vs Rogers: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Rogers, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Rogers, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,432 | $138,016▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.05 | $66.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,676 | $80,049▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,943 | $108,471▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,624 | $167,140▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,881 | $203,757▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Rogers, AR offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Rogers is $25,584 (22.76%). Rogers's median is -1.85% 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,Rogers spans $123,708. Rogers has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rogers ($158,822 effective) pays 21.33% 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 Rogers if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,016/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,757)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $158,822)
- ✓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 33.3% growth in Rogers over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$42,200 (2019) → $109,200 (2025)
Rogers, AR
$100,554 (2024) → $134,048 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Rogers, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Fort Smith or Rogers?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Rogers?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Rogers as a optometrist?
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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