Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,989▲ | $59,974 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.28▲ | $28.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,757 | $39,016▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,682 | $46,806▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,211 | $85,988▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,526 | $130,204▲ |
| Total Employed | 190 | 1,610▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith and Little Rock are closely matched on overall insurance agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Little Rock is $3,015 (5.03%). Fort Smith's median is -2.38% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $91,769,Little Rock spans $91,188. Fort Smith 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 ($73,339 effective) pays 9.28% more than Little Rock ($67,112 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 ($62,989/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,339)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,204)
- ✓Larger job market (1,610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Fort Smith grew 62.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.7% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$37,330 (2019) → $60,800 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$46,440 (2019) → $57,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Fort Smith or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Little Rock as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Fort Smith vs Little Rock?
Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% 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, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov