Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician 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 | $53,613▲ | $49,222 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.78▲ | $23.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,486 | $35,476▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,552▲ | $38,387 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,898▲ | $62,467 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,436▲ | $72,219 |
| Total Employed | 370 | 1,870▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Little Rock is $4,391 (8.92%). 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 Fort Smith spans $40,950,Little Rock spans $36,743. 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, Fort Smith ($62,422 effective) pays 13.33% more than Little Rock ($55,080 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,613/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,436)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,422)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Fort Smith grew 15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$45,300 (2019) → $52,500 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$42,630 (2019) → $48,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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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