Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,959▲ | $82,110 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.69▲ | $39.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,917 | $63,857▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,931▲ | $64,372 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,987▲ | $95,907 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,087▲ | $121,620 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Little Rock is $10,849 (13.21%). 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 Fort Smith spans $90,170,Little Rock spans $57,763. 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 ($106,972 effective) pays 16.42% more than Little Rock ($91,883 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 ($92,959/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,087)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,972)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Fort Smith grew -5.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$93,980 (2024) → $88,465 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$62,260 (2021) → $78,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Fort Smith or Little Rock?
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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