Fayetteville vs Fort Smith: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,645▲ | $48,491 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.87▲ | $23.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,079▲ | $38,372 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,482 | $41,627▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $55,822▲ | $52,172 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,391▲ | $60,460 |
| Total Employed | 570▲ | 400 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Fort Smith is $1,154 (2.38%). Fayetteville's median is -11.18% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $25,312,Fort Smith spans $22,088. Fayetteville 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 3.89% more than Fayetteville ($54,344 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,645/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,391)
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓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 Fayetteville grew 30.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$36,680 (2019) → $47,740 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$39,690 (2019) → $46,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Fayetteville or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Fort Smith as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Fayetteville 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