Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist 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 | $93,582 | $93,624▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.00 | $45.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,028 | $82,646▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,316 | $87,820▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,980▲ | $104,131 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,909▲ | $105,695 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Little Rock is $42 (0.04%). Little Rock's median is -12.01% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $52,881,Little Rock spans $23,049. 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 ($107,689 effective) pays 2.79% more than Little Rock ($104,767 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 top-earner potential ($124,909)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,689)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,624/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Fort Smith grew 37.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 44.9% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$65,086 (2024) → $89,160 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$61,570 (2019) → $89,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Fort Smith or Little Rock?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in nuclear medicine. She specializes in PET imaging at a community hospital. She analyzes trends in the nuclear medicine job market.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.96% 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 Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT, a licensed nuclear medicine technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov