Fort Smith vs Paragould: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Paragould, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Paragould, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,491▲ | $48,192 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.31▲ | $23.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,372▲ | $35,027 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,627 | $43,176▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,172 | $57,015▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,460 | $69,338▲ |
| Total Employed | 400▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Paragould.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Paragould is $299 (0.62%). Fort Smith's median is -13.25% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $22,088,Paragould spans $34,311. Paragould has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($56,458 effective) pays 1.81% more than Paragould ($55,457 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,491/year)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,458)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Paragould if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($69,338)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Fort Smith grew 17.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Paragould over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$39,690 (2019) → $46,630 (2025)
Paragould, AR
$37,352 (2024) → $46,343 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Paragould, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Fort Smith or Paragould?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Paragould?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Paragould as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Fort Smith vs Paragould?
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