Conway vs Fort Smith: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Conway, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Conway, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,176 | $53,613▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.16 | $25.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,975 | $34,486▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,674 | $40,552▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,665 | $65,898▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,673 | $75,436▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Conway.
The salary gap between Conway and Fort Smith is $5,437 (11.29%). Fort Smith's median is -16.92% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Conway spans $41,698,Fort Smith spans $40,950. Conway 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, Fort Smith ($62,422 effective) pays 12.60% more than Conway ($55,438 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Conway if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,613/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,436)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,422)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Conway grew 9.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.9% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Conway, AR
$42,944 (2024) → $47,176 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$45,300 (2019) → $52,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Conway, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Conway or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Conway and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Conway to Fort Smith as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Conway vs Fort Smith?
Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% 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 Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov