Fayetteville vs Fort Smith: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,178 | $54,963▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.20 | $26.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,775▲ | $31,878 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,791 | $39,574▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,426 | $70,353▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,267▲ | $85,193 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 15 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fayetteville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Fort Smith is $8,785 (19.02%). Fort Smith's median is -34.03% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $47,492,Fort Smith spans $53,315. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ux designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($63,249 effective) pays 25.12% more than Fayetteville ($50,549 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,267)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,963/year)
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,249)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Fayetteville grew -11.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 69.3% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$49,010 (2021) → $43,230 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$30,400 (2021) → $51,454 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Fayetteville or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Fort Smith as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Fayetteville vs Fort Smith?
Written by Maria Chen, MDes
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in user experience design. She specializes in usability testing and user research. Maria has worked with tech companies and startups.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.82% 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 Maria Chen, MDes, a licensed ux designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov