Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer 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 | $40,920 | $48,186▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.67 | $23.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,556 | $35,959▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,432 | $40,424▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,124 | $59,566▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,380 | $75,442▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Little Rock is $7,266 (17.76%). Little Rock's median is -25.95% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $31,824,Little Rock spans $39,483. Little Rock has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Little Rock ($53,921 effective) pays 13.18% more than Fort Smith ($47,643 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,186/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,442)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,921)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Fort Smith grew -2.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.2% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$40,640 (2019) → $39,590 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$41,560 (2019) → $46,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Fort Smith or Little Rock?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% 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 Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov