Bentonville vs Fort Smith: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Bentonville, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bentonville, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,763 | $39,238▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.63 | $18.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,044 | $34,231▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,518 | $36,666▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $41,000 | $41,967▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,628▲ | $45,683 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 430▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bentonville.
The salary gap between Bentonville and Fort Smith is $475 (1.23%). Fort Smith's median is -18.19% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bentonville spans $19,584,Fort Smith spans $11,452. Bentonville 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, Fort Smith ($45,685 effective) pays 2.42% more than Bentonville ($44,606 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bentonville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,628)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,238/year)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,685)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Bentonville grew 30.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Bentonville, AR
$28,330 (2024) → $36,928 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$28,520 (2019) → $37,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bentonville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Bentonville or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bentonville and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Bentonville to Fort Smith as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Bentonville vs Fort Smith?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov