Fort Smith vs Van Buren: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,535▲ | $52,766 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.66▲ | $25.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,306 | $44,584▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,279▲ | $48,547 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,206▲ | $62,465 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,139▲ | $72,310 |
| Total Employed | 15▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Van Buren.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Van Buren is $4,769 (9.04%). Fort Smith's median is -12.05% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $37,833,Van Buren spans $27,726. 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 ($66,208 effective) pays 9.04% more than Van Buren ($60,720 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 ($57,535/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,139)
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,208)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Van Buren if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Fort Smith grew 30.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.3% growth in Van Buren over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$42,218 (2024) → $54,989 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$38,718 (2024) → $50,431 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Fort Smith or Van Buren?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Van Buren?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Van Buren as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Fort Smith vs Van Buren?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% 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, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov