Fort Smith vs Pine Bluff: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Pine Bluff, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Pine Bluff, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,276▲ | $60,191 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.86▲ | $28.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,344 | $41,731▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,155▲ | $47,045 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,407▲ | $77,045 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,107 | $93,296▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pine Bluff.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Pine Bluff is $6,085 (10.11%). Fort Smith's median is +3.02% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $40,763,Pine Bluff spans $51,565. Pine Bluff has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($77,166 effective) pays 11.41% more than Pine Bluff ($69,265 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 ($66,276/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,166)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Pine Bluff if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,296)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Fort Smith grew 31.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.6% growth in Pine Bluff over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$49,300 (2019) → $64,945 (2025)
Pine Bluff, AR
$53,340 (2019) → $58,982 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Pine Bluff, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Fort Smith or Pine Bluff?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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 Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov