Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager 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 | $85,777 | $86,987▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.24 | $41.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,942▲ | $33,032 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,509 | $67,399▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,701 | $103,006▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,871 | $129,482▲ |
| Total Employed | 130 | 650▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Little Rock is $1,210 (1.41%). Little Rock's median is -26.85% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $58,929,Little Rock spans $96,450. Little Rock has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced construction managers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($99,871 effective) pays 2.60% more than Little Rock ($97,340 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,871)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,987/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,482)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Fort Smith grew 32.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$62,500 (2019) → $82,940 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$72,160 (2019) → $84,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Fort Smith or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Little Rock as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Fort Smith vs Little Rock?
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