Cabot vs Fort Smith: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Cabot, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cabot, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,640 | $52,633▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.34 | $25.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,933 | $37,885▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,673 | $43,667▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,406▲ | $62,382 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,714▲ | $64,608 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cabot.
The salary gap between Cabot and Fort Smith is $1,993 (3.94%). 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 Cabot spans $40,781,Fort Smith spans $26,723. Cabot 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 5.16% more than Cabot ($58,274 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cabot if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,714)
- ✓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 Cabot grew 30.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 49.2% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Cabot, AR
$37,624 (2024) → $49,136 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$34,240 (2019) → $51,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Cabot or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cabot and Fort Smith?
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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