Fort Smith vs Sherwood: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Sherwood, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Sherwood, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,819▲ | $120,301 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.52▲ | $57.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,926▲ | $86,523 |
| 25th Percentile | $117,144▲ | $109,125 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,263▲ | $145,641 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,253▲ | $166,910 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sherwood.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Sherwood is $3,518 (2.92%). Fort Smith's median is -11.80% 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,Sherwood spans $80,387. Sherwood 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, Fort Smith ($144,163 effective) pays 4.14% more than Sherwood ($138,436 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 ($123,819/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,253)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,163)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Sherwood if…
- ✓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 27.7% growth in Sherwood over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$103,180 (2020) → $119,840 (2025)
Sherwood, AR
$91,186 (2024) → $116,435 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Sherwood, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Fort Smith or Sherwood?
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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