Fort Smith vs Jonesboro: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian 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 | $109,899 | $120,980▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.84 | $58.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,443 | $70,169▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $96,630▲ | $93,622 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,278 | $154,854▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,864 | $187,519▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Jonesboro, AR offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Jonesboro is $11,081 (10.08%). Jonesboro's median is -11.91% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $123,421,Jonesboro spans $117,350. Fort Smith 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, Jonesboro ($139,217 effective) pays 8.80% more than Fort Smith ($127,956 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,980/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($187,519)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,217)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Fort Smith grew 48.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.4% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$70,180 (2019) → $104,110 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$82,807 (2024) → $114,608 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Fort Smith or Jonesboro?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov