Benton vs Fort Smith: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Benton, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,030▲ | $34,543 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.24▲ | $16.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,318 | $33,183▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,772▲ | $34,129 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,215▲ | $42,366 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,046▲ | $52,063 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Benton, AR offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Benton and Fort Smith is $5,487 (15.88%). Benton's median is -11.68% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $31,728,Fort Smith spans $18,880. Benton 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, Benton ($46,064 effective) pays 14.54% more than Fort Smith ($40,219 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,030/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,046)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,064)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Benton grew 27.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.3% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Benton, AR
$30,648 (2024) → $39,088 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$29,010 (2021) → $33,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Benton or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Benton to Fort Smith as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Benton vs Fort Smith?
Written by Jessica Tran, CCRN
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years as a dialysis technician. She specializes in chronic kidney disease management. She works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.41% 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 Jessica Tran, CCRN, a licensed dialysis technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov