Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,500▲ | $47,342 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.84▲ | $22.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,526 | $36,207▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,863 | $41,099▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,781▲ | $55,824 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,567▲ | $62,491 |
| Total Employed | 410 | 1,470▲ |
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 Little Rock.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Little Rock is $158 (0.33%). 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 Fort Smith spans $28,041,Little Rock spans $26,284. Fort Smith 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 4.39% more than Little Rock ($52,977 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 ($47,500/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,567)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,305)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,470 employed)
- ✓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 Fort Smith grew 25.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$36,480 (2019) → $45,752 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$38,280 (2019) → $45,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Fort Smith or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Little Rock as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Fort Smith vs Little Rock?
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