Fort Smith vs Van Buren: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,065▲ | $55,061 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.39▲ | $26.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,683▲ | $46,625 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,431▲ | $52,610 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,997 | $64,482▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,625 | $69,035▲ |
| Total Employed | 960▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Van Buren.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Van Buren is $4,004 (7.27%). 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 Fort Smith spans $13,942,Van Buren spans $22,410. Van Buren has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($68,770 effective) pays 8.54% more than Van Buren ($63,361 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 ($59,065/year)
- ✓Larger job market (960 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,770)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Van Buren if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($69,035)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Fort Smith grew 38.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.4% growth in Van Buren over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$40,340 (2019) → $55,880 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$37,912 (2024) → $52,092 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Fort Smith or Van Buren?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Van Buren?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Van Buren as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Fort Smith vs Van Buren?
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