Bentonville vs Fort Smith: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder 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 | $48,736▲ | $48,491 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.43▲ | $23.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,643 | $38,372▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,531▲ | $41,627 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,222▲ | $52,172 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,173▲ | $60,460 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Bentonville, AR offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Bentonville and Fort Smith is $245 (0.51%). Bentonville's median is -12.81% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bentonville spans $34,530,Fort Smith spans $22,088. 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 ($56,458 effective) pays 0.67% more than Bentonville ($56,083 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bentonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,736/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,173)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,458)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Bentonville grew 24.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Bentonville, AR
$37,773 (2024) → $46,866 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$39,690 (2019) → $46,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bentonville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders 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 welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Bentonville vs Fort Smith?
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov