Fort Smith vs Jonesboro: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $34,543 | $42,293▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $16.61 | $20.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,183 | $33,561▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,129 | $34,940▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $42,366 | $53,145▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,063 | $61,895▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Jonesboro, AR offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Jonesboro is $7,750 (22.44%). Jonesboro's median is -6.68% 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,Jonesboro spans $28,334. Jonesboro 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, Jonesboro ($49,249 effective) pays 22.45% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,293/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,895)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,249)
- ✓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 12.3% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$29,010 (2021) → $33,730 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$36,760 (2021) → $41,298 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Fort Smith or Jonesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Jonesboro?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Jonesboro as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Fort Smith vs Jonesboro?
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