Fort Smith vs Paragould: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Paragould, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Paragould, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,077▲ | $86,037 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.51▲ | $41.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,089▲ | $60,060 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,968▲ | $73,778 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,228▲ | $96,261 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,228 | $115,191▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Paragould.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Paragould is $19,040 (22.13%). 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 Fort Smith spans $29,139,Paragould spans $55,131. Paragould has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($122,342 effective) pays 23.57% more than Paragould ($99,007 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 ($105,077/year)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,342)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Paragould if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,191)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Fort Smith grew 54.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.3% growth in Paragould over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$65,040 (2019) → $100,140 (2025)
Paragould, AR
$56,027 (2024) → $81,995 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Paragould, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Fort Smith or Paragould?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Paragould?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Paragould as a ultrasound technologist?
What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Fort Smith vs Paragould?
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.
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