Benton vs Fort Smith: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Benton, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,562 | $52,633▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.79 | $25.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,835 | $37,885▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,536 | $43,667▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,745▲ | $62,382 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,707▲ | $64,608 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Benton.
The salary gap between Benton and Fort Smith is $1,071 (2.08%). Fort Smith's median is -32.99% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $42,872,Fort Smith spans $26,723. Benton 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 ($61,281 effective) pays 3.28% more than Benton ($59,335 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,707)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,633/year)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,281)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Benton grew 30.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 49.2% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Benton, AR
$38,310 (2024) → $50,031 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$34,240 (2019) → $51,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Benton or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Benton to Fort Smith as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Benton vs Fort Smith?
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov