Fort Smith vs Springdale: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Springdale, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Springdale, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,868▲ | $126,213 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.00▲ | $60.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,917▲ | $73,799 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,761▲ | $96,486 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,927 | $158,505▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,490 | $190,133▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springdale.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Springdale is $655 (0.52%). Fort Smith's median is -14.76% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $92,573,Springdale spans $116,334. Springdale has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced cloud architects.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Smith ($147,713 effective) pays 1.70% more than Springdale ($145,239 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 ($126,868/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,713)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Springdale if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($190,133)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Fort Smith grew 35.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.4% growth in Springdale over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$91,130 (2019) → $123,412 (2025)
Springdale, AR
$85,629 (2024) → $122,775 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Springdale, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MS
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in cloud architecture. She specializes in cloud security and compliance. She works in a technology consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.80% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MS, a licensed cloud architect with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov