Fort Smith vs Texarkana: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Texarkana, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Texarkana, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,568▲ | $49,286 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.83▲ | $23.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,656▲ | $36,699 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,886 | $40,129▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,502 | $63,087▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,096 | $76,394▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Texarkana.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Texarkana is $282 (0.57%). Fort Smith's median is -24.22% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $26,440,Texarkana spans $39,695. Texarkana has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($57,712 effective) pays 1.76% more than Texarkana ($56,716 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 ($49,568/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,712)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Texarkana if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,394)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Fort Smith grew 9.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.4% growth in Texarkana over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$44,140 (2019) → $48,350 (2025)
Texarkana, AR
$40,958 (2024) → $48,075 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Texarkana, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Fort Smith or Texarkana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Texarkana?
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What do entry-level plumbers earn in Fort Smith vs Texarkana?
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov