Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,238 | $40,004▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.86 | $19.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,231▲ | $33,108 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,666 | $38,367▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $41,967 | $45,484▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $45,683 | $49,073▲ |
| Total Employed | 430 | 1,660▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Little Rock is $766 (1.95%). Little Rock's median is -16.59% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $11,452,Little Rock spans $15,965. Little Rock has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($45,685 effective) pays 2.05% more than Little Rock ($44,765 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 purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,685)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,004/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($49,073)
- ✓Larger job market (1,660 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Fort Smith grew 31.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$28,520 (2019) → $37,380 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$32,710 (2019) → $38,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Fort Smith or Little Rock?
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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