Conway vs Fort Smith: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer 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 | $46,336 | $47,500▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.28 | $22.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,865 | $35,526▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,717 | $40,863▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $58,362▲ | $56,781 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,461▲ | $63,567 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 410▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Conway.
The salary gap between Conway and Fort Smith is $1,164 (2.51%). Fort Smith's median is -21.06% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Conway spans $40,596,Fort Smith spans $28,041. 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 ($55,305 effective) pays 3.72% more than Conway ($53,321 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 ($71,461)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,500/year)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,305)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Conway grew 15.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.4% growth in Fort Smith over the same period.
Conway, AR
$38,734 (2024) → $44,631 (2025)
Fort Smith, AR
$36,480 (2019) → $45,752 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Conway, AR
Fort Smith, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers 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 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Conway vs Fort Smith?
Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.82% 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, HVAC Technician, a licensed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov