Fort Smith vs Hot Springs: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Hot Springs, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Hot Springs, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,633▲ | $46,222 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.30▲ | $22.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,885 | $39,493▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,667 | $45,099▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,382▲ | $46,222 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,608 | $67,412▲ |
| Total Employed | 400▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hot Springs.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Hot Springs is $6,411 (13.87%). 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 Fort Smith spans $26,723,Hot Springs spans $27,919. Hot Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($61,281 effective) pays 13.66% more than Hot Springs ($53,916 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 ($52,633/year)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,281)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,412)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Fort Smith grew 49.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.0% growth in Hot Springs over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$34,240 (2019) → $51,070 (2025)
Hot Springs, AR
$44,400 (2019) → $44,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Hot Springs, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Fort Smith or Hot Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Hot Springs?
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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