Fort Smith vs Jonesboro: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,380 | $66,495▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.74 | $31.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,710▲ | $36,328 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,783 | $45,371▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,023 | $75,691▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,067 | $89,726▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 170 |
Verdict
Jonesboro, 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 Fort Smith and Jonesboro is $17,115 (34.66%). Jonesboro's median is -3.26% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $49,357,Jonesboro spans $53,398. Jonesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jonesboro ($77,431 effective) pays 34.68% 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 Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,495/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,726)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,431)
- ✓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 Fort Smith grew 21.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.1% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$39,620 (2019) → $47,923 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$46,050 (2019) → $64,533 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Fort Smith or Jonesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Jonesboro?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Jonesboro as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Fort Smith vs Jonesboro?
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