Fort Smith vs Hot Springs: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Hot Springs, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Hot Springs, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $34,543 | $40,861▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $16.61 | $19.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,183▲ | $32,155 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,129▲ | $32,534 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,366 | $48,260▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,063▲ | $51,829 |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Fort Smith and Hot Springs are closely matched on overall dialysis technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Hot Springs is $6,318 (18.29%). Hot Springs's median is -9.84% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $18,880,Hot Springs spans $19,674. Hot Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dialysis technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hot Springs ($47,662 effective) pays 18.51% 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 Fort Smith if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,063)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,861/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,662)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Fort Smith grew 16.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in Hot Springs over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$29,010 (2021) → $33,730 (2025)
Hot Springs, AR
$34,820 (2021) → $39,899 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Hot Springs, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Fort Smith or Hot Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Hot Springs?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Hot Springs as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Fort Smith vs Hot Springs?
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