Fort Smith vs Jacksonville: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Jacksonville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Jacksonville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,936▲ | $64,538 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.22▲ | $31.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,524 | $46,542▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,892 | $56,895▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,537▲ | $73,805 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,722 | $82,583▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jacksonville.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Jacksonville is $398 (0.62%). Fort Smith's median is -7.56% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $43,198,Jacksonville spans $36,041. 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, Fort Smith ($75,605 effective) pays 1.80% more than Jacksonville ($74,267 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 ($64,936/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,605)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,583)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Fort Smith grew 11.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in Jacksonville over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$56,510 (2019) → $63,210 (2025)
Jacksonville, AR
$48,312 (2024) → $62,823 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Jacksonville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Fort Smith or Jacksonville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Jacksonville?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Jacksonville as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Fort Smith vs Jacksonville?
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov