Benton vs Fort Smith: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Benton, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,113 | $59,065▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.94 | $28.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,804 | $50,683▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,712 | $53,431▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,243▲ | $62,997 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,083▲ | $64,625 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 960▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Benton.
The salary gap between Benton and Fort Smith is $952 (1.64%). Fort Smith's median is -13.23% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $27,279,Fort Smith spans $13,942. Benton 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 ($68,770 effective) pays 2.84% more than Benton ($66,873 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,083)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,065/year)
- ✓Larger job market (960 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,770)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Benton grew 37.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.5% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Benton, AR
$40,012 (2024) → $54,979 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$40,340 (2019) → $55,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Benton or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Benton to Fort Smith as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Benton vs Fort Smith?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov