Fort Smith vs Jacksonville: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor 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 | $67,682 | $73,203▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.54 | $35.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,200▲ | $42,457 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,392 | $52,706▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,692▲ | $93,699 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,449▲ | $113,464 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fort Smith and Jacksonville are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Jacksonville is $5,521 (8.16%). Jacksonville's median is -32.55% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $160,249,Jacksonville spans $71,007. 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, Jacksonville ($84,238 effective) pays 6.90% 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 Fort Smith if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,449)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,203/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,238)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Fort Smith grew -39.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.3% growth in Jacksonville over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$107,570 (2019) → $65,520 (2025)
Jacksonville, AR
$67,292 (2024) → $70,864 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Jacksonville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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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