Fort Smith vs Russellville: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Russellville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Russellville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $34,543 | $39,490▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $16.61 | $18.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,183▲ | $32,448 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,129 | $36,054▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $42,366 | $50,385▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,063 | $61,210▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Russellville, 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 Russellville is $4,947 (14.32%). Russellville's median is -12.87% 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,Russellville spans $28,762. Russellville 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, Russellville ($45,443 effective) pays 12.99% 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 Russellville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,490/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,210)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,443)
- ✓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 27.5% growth in Russellville over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$29,010 (2021) → $33,730 (2025)
Russellville, AR
$30,235 (2024) → $38,561 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Russellville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Fort Smith or Russellville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Russellville?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Russellville as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Fort Smith vs Russellville?
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