Bentonville vs Fort Smith: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor 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 | $72,843▲ | $67,682 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.02▲ | $32.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,249 | $43,200▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,447▲ | $51,392 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,239 | $108,692▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,907 | $203,449▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Bentonville and Fort Smith are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bentonville and Fort Smith is $5,161 (7.63%). Bentonville's median is -32.89% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bentonville spans $70,658,Fort Smith spans $160,249. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced financial advisors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bentonville ($83,824 effective) pays 6.37% more than Fort Smith ($78,803 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 ($72,843/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,824)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,449)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Bentonville grew 5.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -39.1% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Bentonville, AR
$66,962 (2024) → $70,516 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$107,570 (2019) → $65,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bentonville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Bentonville or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bentonville and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Bentonville to Fort Smith as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Bentonville vs Fort Smith?
Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov