Cabot vs Fort Smith: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Cabot, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cabot, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,692 | $85,777▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.24 | $41.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,582 | $59,942▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,895 | $66,509▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,126▲ | $97,701 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,722▲ | $118,871 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cabot.
The salary gap between Cabot and Fort Smith is $2,085 (2.49%). Fort Smith's median is -27.87% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cabot spans $75,140,Fort Smith spans $58,929. Cabot 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 ($99,871 effective) pays 3.70% more than Cabot ($96,308 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cabot if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,722)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,777/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,871)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Cabot grew 12.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.7% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Cabot, AR
$71,903 (2024) → $80,924 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$62,500 (2019) → $82,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Cabot or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cabot and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Cabot to Fort Smith as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Cabot vs Fort Smith?
Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% 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 Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov