Fayetteville vs Fort Smith: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,458 | $92,959▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.16 | $44.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,719▲ | $53,917 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,458▲ | $66,931 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,458 | $118,987▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,836 | $144,087▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Fort Smith is $11,501 (14.12%). Fort Smith's median is -12.04% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $23,117,Fort Smith spans $90,170. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($106,972 effective) pays 19.97% more than Fayetteville ($89,168 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,959/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,087)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,972)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Fayetteville grew 21.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -5.9% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$63,960 (2021) → $77,520 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$93,980 (2024) → $88,465 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Fayetteville or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Fort Smith as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Fayetteville vs Fort Smith?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.08% 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 Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov