Fort Smith vs Hot Springs: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Hot Springs, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Hot Springs, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,819 | $126,794▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.52 | $60.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,926▲ | $97,513 |
| 25th Percentile | $117,144 | $126,794▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,263▲ | $138,676 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,253▲ | $164,361 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Fort Smith and Hot Springs are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Hot Springs is $2,975 (2.40%). Hot Springs's median is -9.69% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $64,327,Hot Springs spans $66,848. Hot Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hot Springs ($147,899 effective) pays 2.59% more than Fort Smith ($144,163 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,253)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,794/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,899)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Fort Smith grew 16.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in Hot Springs over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$103,180 (2020) → $119,840 (2025)
Hot Springs, AR
$91,856 (2024) → $122,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Hot Springs, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Fort Smith or Hot Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Hot Springs?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Hot Springs as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Fort Smith vs Hot Springs?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov