Fayetteville vs Fort Smith: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer 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 | $65,237▲ | $57,535 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.37▲ | $27.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,896▲ | $44,306 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,916▲ | $50,279 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,882▲ | $69,206 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,489▲ | $82,139 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Fort Smith is $7,702 (13.39%). Fayetteville's median is -0.27% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $25,593,Fort Smith spans $37,833. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fayetteville ($71,412 effective) pays 7.86% more than Fort Smith ($66,208 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 ($65,237/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,489)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,412)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Fayetteville grew 8.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.3% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$57,650 (2019) → $62,350 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$42,218 (2024) → $54,989 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers 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 athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Fayetteville vs Fort Smith?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% 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 Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov