Conway vs Fort Smith: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist 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 | $55,718▲ | $49,380 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.79▲ | $23.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,989 | $36,710▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,175▲ | $40,783 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,319▲ | $70,023 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,363▲ | $86,067 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Conway, AR offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Conway and Fort Smith is $6,338 (12.84%). Conway's median is -18.94% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Conway spans $51,374,Fort Smith spans $49,357. 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, Conway ($64,117 effective) pays 11.52% more than Fort Smith ($57,493 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Conway if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,718/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,363)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,117)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Conway grew 14.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.0% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Conway, AR
$47,154 (2024) → $54,074 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$39,620 (2019) → $47,923 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Conway, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Conway or Fort Smith?
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Should I relocate from Conway to Fort Smith as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Conway vs Fort Smith?
Written by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP)
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory science. She specializes in molecular diagnostics. She works at a large metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.04% 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 Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP), a licensed medical and clinical laboratory technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov