Conway vs Fort Smith: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Conway, AR and Fort Smith, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Conway, AR | Fort 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 Employed | 14 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, 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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($122,342 effective) pays 25.94% more than Conway ($97,146 effective).
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, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Conway grew 44.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 54.0% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Conway, AR
$55,574 (2024) → $80,454 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$65,040 (2019) → $100,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Conway, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Conway or Fort Smith?
What is the hourly rate difference between Conway and Fort Smith?
Should I relocate from Conway to Fort Smith as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Conway vs Fort Smith?
Written by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in abdominal sonography. She works at a regional hospital. Aisha also conducts training for new sonographers.
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 Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT, a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov