Fayetteville vs Fort Smith: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician 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 | $42,006▲ | $34,543 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.20▲ | $16.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,444▲ | $33,183 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,273▲ | $34,129 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,748▲ | $42,366 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,823▲ | $52,063 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 180 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Fort Smith is $7,463 (21.60%). Fayetteville's median is -7.32% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $31,379,Fort Smith spans $18,880. Fayetteville 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, Fayetteville ($45,982 effective) pays 14.33% 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 Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,006/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,823)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,982)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Fayetteville grew 11.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 16.3% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$36,930 (2021) → $41,017 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$29,010 (2021) → $33,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians 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 dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Fayetteville 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