Fort Smith vs Van Buren: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $34,101 | $34,807▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $16.39 | $16.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,668 | $30,613▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $30,310 | $32,020▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $37,147 | $38,630▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $39,362 | $41,493▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,580▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Van Buren, AR offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Van Buren is $706 (2.07%). Van Buren's median is -22.66% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $12,694,Van Buren spans $10,880. 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, Van Buren ($40,054 effective) pays 0.88% more than Fort Smith ($39,704 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Van Buren if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($34,807/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($41,493)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $40,054)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Fort Smith grew 32.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.1% growth in Van Buren over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$24,160 (2019) → $32,020 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$24,199 (2024) → $32,683 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Fort Smith or Van Buren?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Van Buren?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Van Buren as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Fort Smith vs Van Buren?
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov