Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist 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 | $69,819▲ | $65,467 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.57▲ | $31.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,821 | $48,386▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,093▲ | $56,168 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,285▲ | $80,616 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,339▲ | $89,624 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Little Rock is $4,352 (6.65%). Fort Smith's median is -12.04% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $50,518,Little Rock spans $41,238. 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 ($80,344 effective) pays 9.67% more than Little Rock ($73,259 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 ($69,819/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,339)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,344)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Fort Smith grew 14.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.1% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$58,700 (2019) → $67,198 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$59,410 (2019) → $63,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% 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 Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov