Bentonville vs Fort Smith: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Bentonville, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bentonville, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,885▲ | $48,256 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.87▲ | $23.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,536 | $38,226▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,002▲ | $40,452 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,117▲ | $59,353 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,622▲ | $77,622 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Bentonville, AR offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Bentonville and Fort Smith is $7,629 (15.81%). Bentonville's median is -14.15% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bentonville spans $49,086,Fort Smith spans $39,396. Bentonville 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, Bentonville ($64,310 effective) pays 14.46% more than Fort Smith ($56,185 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bentonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,885/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,622)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,310)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Bentonville grew 36.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.7% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Bentonville, AR
$39,490 (2024) → $53,990 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$37,680 (2019) → $46,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bentonville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov