Fort Smith vs Jonesboro: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,568▲ | $48,215 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.83▲ | $23.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,656▲ | $32,642 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,886 | $39,419▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,502▲ | $60,179 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,096 | $64,096 |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jonesboro.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Jonesboro is $1,353 (2.81%). 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,Jonesboro spans $31,454. Jonesboro 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 2.79% more than Jonesboro ($56,145 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 Jonesboro if…
- ✓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 14.0% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$44,140 (2019) → $48,350 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$41,240 (2019) → $47,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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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