Fayetteville vs Fort Smith: Chiropractor Salary (2026)
Compare chiropractor salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,893 | $71,255▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.08 | $34.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,118 | $41,328▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,468▲ | $53,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,744 | $91,207▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,884 | $110,446▲ |
| Total Employed | 18▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for chiropractors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Fort Smith is $362 (0.51%). Fort Smith's median is -12.05% compared to the US national median of $81,014.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $68,766,Fort Smith spans $69,118. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced chiropractors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($81,997 effective) pays 0.51% more than Fayetteville ($81,580 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Larger job market (18 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,255/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,446)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,997)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, chiropractor salaries in Fayetteville grew 64.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$42,170 (2019) → $69,306 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$59,809 (2024) → $69,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays chiropractors more: Fayetteville or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Fort Smith as a chiropractor?
What do entry-level chiropractors earn in Fayetteville vs Fort Smith?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, D.C.
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a chiropractor. She specializes in sports injuries and practices in a private clinic. Maria also conducts workshops for community health education.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.29% 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 Maria Gonzalez, D.C., a licensed chiropractor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov