Conway vs Fort Smith: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Conway, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Conway, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,315▲ | $48,256 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.23▲ | $23.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,838 | $38,226▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,662 | $40,452▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,352▲ | $59,353 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,888 | $77,622▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Conway and Fort Smith are closely matched on overall paralegal compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Conway and Fort Smith is $59 (0.12%). Conway's median is -25.78% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Conway spans $40,050,Fort Smith spans $39,396. Conway 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, Fort Smith ($56,185 effective) pays 1.05% more than Conway ($55,598 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Conway if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,315/year)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,622)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,185)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Conway grew 20.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.7% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Conway, AR
$38,734 (2024) → $46,677 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$37,680 (2019) → $46,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Conway, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Conway or Fort Smith?
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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