Bryant vs Fort Smith: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Bryant, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bryant, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,086▲ | $53,136 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.49▲ | $25.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,236 | $47,451▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,640 | $49,945▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,414▲ | $64,930 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,930▲ | $82,228 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 840▲ |
Verdict
Bryant, AR offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Bryant and Fort Smith is $1,950 (3.67%). Bryant's median is -14.72% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bryant spans $40,694,Fort Smith spans $34,777. Bryant 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, Bryant ($63,390 effective) pays 2.46% more than Fort Smith ($61,867 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bryant if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,086/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,930)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,390)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Bryant grew 27.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Bryant, AR
$42,699 (2024) → $54,551 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$46,570 (2019) → $52,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bryant, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Bryant or Fort Smith?
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov