Ultrasound Tech Pay

Conway vs Fort Smith: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Conway, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Conway, AR
$84,420
$40.59/hr
Fort Smith, AR
$105,077
$50.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricConway, ARFort Smith, AR
Median Salary$84,420$105,077
Hourly Rate$40.59$50.51
Entry Level (P10)$60,091$78,089
25th Percentile$70,276$82,968
75th Percentile$93,162$107,228
Top Earner (P90)$111,524$107,228
Total Employed1480
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Conway ($84,420) and Fort Smith ($105,077) ultrasound technologist salaries.ConwayFort SmithMedian Salary$84,420$105,077Entry Level (P10)$60,091$78,089Top Earner (P90)$111,524$107,228US Median $101,352

Verdict

Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Conway.

The salary gap between Conway and Fort Smith is $20,657 (24.47%). Fort Smith's median is +3.68% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Conway spans $51,433,Fort Smith spans $29,139. Conway has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Conway
P10 (Entry)$60,091
P25$70,276
Median$84,420
P75$93,162
P90 (Top)$111,524
Fort Smith
P10 (Entry)$78,089
P25$82,968
Median$105,077
P75$107,228
P90 (Top)$107,228

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($122,342 effective) pays 25.94% more than Conway ($97,146 effective).

Conway
Nominal: $84,420
CoL Index: 86.9
Adjusted: $97,146
Fort Smith
Nominal: $105,077
CoL Index: 85.888
Adjusted: $122,342

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Conway if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($111,524)
  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Choose Fort Smith if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,077/year)
  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,342)
  • You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Conway grew 44.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 54.0% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.

Conway, AR

+44.8%

$55,574 (2024) → $80,454 (2025)

Fort Smith, AR

+54.0%

$65,040 (2019) → $100,140 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Conway or Fort Smith?

Fort Smith has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $105,077/year, compared to Conway at $84,420/year — a difference of $20,657 (24.47%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Conway and Fort Smith?

Conway ultrasound technologists earn $40.59/hr while Fort Smith hygienists earn $50.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Conway to Fort Smith as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Conway and Fort Smith. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Conway = $97,146, Fort Smith = $122,342), job availability (14 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Conway vs Fort Smith?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $60,091 in Conway and $78,089 in Fort Smith. The Fort Smith area offers higher starting salaries.
RP

Written by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT

Career Analyst

Ravi has 10 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist. He specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging. He works in a community hospital.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% 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 Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov