Fort Smith vs Jonesboro: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $389,756 | $390,366▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $187.38 | $187.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $226,059 | $226,412▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $280,624 | $281,063▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $491,931 | $493,450▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $557,749 | $559,871▲ |
| Total Employed | 15 | 21▲ |
Verdict
Jonesboro, AR offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Jonesboro is $610 (0.16%). Jonesboro's median is -4.58% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $331,690,Jonesboro spans $333,459. Jonesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced anesthesiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jonesboro ($449,213 effective) pays 0.16% more than Fort Smith ($448,511 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($390,366/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($559,871)
- ✓Larger job market (21 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $449,213)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Fort Smith grew 30.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.5% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$285,853 (2024) → $372,972 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$286,300 (2024) → $373,556 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Fort Smith or Jonesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Jonesboro?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Jonesboro as a anesthesiologist?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov