Benton vs Fort Smith: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Benton, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,736▲ | $34,101 |
| Hourly Rate | $17.66▲ | $16.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,488▲ | $26,668 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,036▲ | $30,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,221▲ | $37,147 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $43,228▲ | $39,362 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,580▲ |
Verdict
Benton, AR offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Benton and Fort Smith is $2,635 (7.73%). Benton's median is -18.38% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $13,740,Fort Smith spans $12,694. Benton 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, Benton ($42,274 effective) pays 6.47% more than Fort Smith ($39,704 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($36,736/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($43,228)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,274)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Benton grew 35.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.5% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Benton, AR
$25,540 (2024) → $34,494 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$24,160 (2019) → $32,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Benton or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Benton to Fort Smith as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Benton vs Fort Smith?
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov