Fort Smith vs Texarkana: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Texarkana, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Texarkana, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,817 | $81,242▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.61 | $39.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,094 | $61,062▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,246 | $67,989▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,706 | $99,465▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,558 | $117,514▲ |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Texarkana, AR offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Texarkana is $13,425 (19.80%). Texarkana's median is -3.68% compared to the US national median of $84,348.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $44,464,Texarkana spans $56,452. Texarkana has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Texarkana ($93,489 effective) pays 18.40% more than Fort Smith ($78,960 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 (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Texarkana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,242/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,514)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,489)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Fort Smith grew 45.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 64.8% growth in Texarkana over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$44,340 (2019) → $64,410 (2025)
Texarkana, AR
$46,809 (2024) → $77,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Texarkana, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Fort Smith or Texarkana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Texarkana?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Texarkana as a radiologic technologist and technician?
What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Fort Smith vs Texarkana?
Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% 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, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov