Benton vs Fort Smith: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Benton, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Fort Smith, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,047 | $40,879▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.25 | $19.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,493 | $36,661▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,713 | $38,285▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $42,872 | $47,870▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,172▲ | $50,221 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Benton.
The salary gap between Benton and Fort Smith is $832 (2.08%). Fort Smith's median is -15.26% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $19,679,Fort Smith spans $13,560. Benton 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 ($47,596 effective) pays 3.28% more than Benton ($46,084 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,172)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,879/year)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,596)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Benton grew 35.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.1% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Benton, AR
$28,094 (2024) → $37,981 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$27,680 (2019) → $38,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Benton or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Benton to Fort Smith as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Benton vs Fort Smith?
Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov