Overview Salaries

Salaries in Fort Smith, AR

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Fort Smith, AR?

The average salary in Fort Smith, AR is $54,159 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Fort Smith, AR, showing an average salary of $54,159 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Fort Smith, AR, showing an average salary of $4,513 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Fort Smith, AR, showing an average salary of $1,042 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Fort Smith, AR, showing an average salary of $26 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Fort Smith, AR, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary stands at $54,159, providing a solid income level for many residents. Job seekers in Fort Smith will find that salaries vary by industry. Some common sectors and their corresponding average salaries include:


High-paying industries in Fort Smith include:

  • Business and Financial Operations: Average salary of $188,455
  • Computer and Mathematical: Average salary of $151,909
  • Management: Average salary of $115,364

These sectors often offer more lucrative salaries compared to others, making them attractive to job seekers looking for higher earnings.

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What are the best paying jobs in Fort Smith, AR?

Fort Smith, AR, offers a variety of high-paying jobs in diverse fields. Among the best are roles like Nurse Practitioners, who can earn an average of $143,935 annually. Other top-paying jobs include Outside Sales Representatives and Regional Managers, both of which provide salaries over $100,000. These positions show strong demand and provide a good balance between competitive pay and career growth. Professionals in healthcare, sales, and management find Fort Smith attractive. Speech Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists enjoy above-average earnings, around $99,000 and $82,000 respectively. Jobs in transportation, like CDL and Hazardous Materials Tanker Drivers, also offer solid salaries, ranging from $82,731 to $76,122 annually. These positions highlight the city's need for skilled and specialized workers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Smith, AR, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $143,935 and Local Driver with the lowest at $61,140.

  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $143,935
    Nurse Practitioners work in hospitals and clinics. They provide primary and specialty care. This role demands compassion and excellent communication skills.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  2. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $112,998
    Outside Sales Representatives connect with clients. They promote and sell products or services. Strong negotiation skills and a solid understanding of customer needs are essential.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  3. Regional Manager
    Average Salary: $107,780
    Regional Managers oversee multiple locations. They ensure operations run smoothly. This job needs leadership and strong organizational skills.
    Find Regional Manager jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  4. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $99,035
    Speech Language Pathologists work with patients who have communication disorders. They develop treatment plans and support recovery. This role requires patience and empathy.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  5. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $96,963
    Traveling Nurses provide care in various locations. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other settings. Flexibility and strong clinical skills are key.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  6. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $82,731
    CDL Drivers transport goods over long distances. They must follow safety regulations. This job requires reliability and a strong sense of responsibility.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  7. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $82,031
    Occupational Therapists help patients regain skills. They work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Compassion and dedication to patient care are vital.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  8. Hazardous Materials Tanker Driver
    Average Salary: $76,122
    Hazardous Materials Tanker Drivers transport dangerous goods. They must adhere to strict safety protocols. Attention to detail and responsibility are crucial.
    Find Hazardous Materials Tanker Driver jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  9. Insurance Agent
    Average Salary: $75,963
    Insurance Agents help clients find the right coverage. They explain policies and assist with claims. Strong communication skills and a customer-focused approach are important.
    Find Insurance Agent jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  10. Local Driver
    Average Salary: $61,140
    Local Drivers transport goods within a specific area. They must know local routes well. This job requires reliability and good time management skills.
    Find Local Driver jobs in Fort Smith, AR

What are the best paying jobs in Fort Smith, AR without a degree?

Job seekers in Fort Smith, AR, can find several well-paying opportunities without needing a degree. Leading the list is the Concrete Finisher, with an average salary of $39,707. Meat Cutters and Servers also provide competitive pay, averaging $35,022 and $33,069 respectively. Apart from construction and food service, roles such as Loaders and Groundskeepers offer solid wages, with Loaders earning about $32,386 and Groundskeepers around $31,831. These jobs provide a chance to earn a good income while gaining valuable experience in Fort Smith.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Smith, AR without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $39,707 and Service Team Member with the lowest at $30,988.

  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $39,707
    Work involves smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. Companies like local construction firms employ these professionals. The job often involves working outdoors in various weather conditions.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  2. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $35,022
    This role cuts and packages meat for grocery stores and butcher shops. It requires attention to detail and a steady hand. You will work in well-stocked retail environments.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  3. Server
    Average Salary: $33,069
    Responsible for taking orders and serving food in restaurants. It’s a dynamic role with a lot of customer interaction. Many local eateries offer this position.
    Find Server jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $32,642
    Maintains cleanliness in hotels and motels. The job involves vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, and changing linens. It’s an essential service role in the hospitality industry.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  5. Floor Scraper
    Average Salary: $32,500
    Removes old flooring and prepares surfaces for new installations. The job requires physical stamina and attention to safety. Companies in the construction sector offer this role.
    Find Floor Scraper jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  6. Loader
    Average Salary: $32,386
    Operates machinery to load and unload materials. It’s a hands-on job requiring knowledge of operating heavy equipment. Many warehouses and logistics companies hire for this position.
    Find Loader jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  7. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $31,831
    Maintains the grounds of properties. Tasks include mowing lawns, trimming shrubs, and general upkeep. Parks and recreational facilities often need these workers.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  8. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $31,072
    Supports servers by refilling drinks and clearing tables. This role is vital in busy dining environments. Many restaurants look for candidates with a friendly demeanor.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  9. Powder Coater
    Average Salary: $31,023
    Applies powder coatings to metal surfaces. The job requires precision and knowledge of painting techniques. Manufacturing plants and metal fabrication shops hire for this role.
    Find Powder Coater jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  10. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $30,988
    Provides customer service in various settings. Tasks include handling inquiries and resolving issues. Retail stores and service-oriented businesses offer these positions.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Fort Smith, AR

Which companies offer the top salaries in Fort Smith, AR?

Several companies in Fort Smith, AR, offer competitive salaries. The Army National Guard leads with an average salary of about $76,695. Other top employers include Summit Utilities, Inc., ABB, and Encompass Health, all offering average salaries above $60,000. For job seekers, companies like Mars, Walgreens, Romark Logistics, and Bachoco also provide decent compensation, with average salaries ranging between $53,000 and $72,000. Walmart and the University of Arkansas round out the list, both offering average salaries below $60,000.
Graph displaying company salaries in Fort Smith, AR, highlighting Army National Guard with the highest at $76,695 and University of Arkansas with the lowest at $49,207.

  1. Army National Guard
    Average Salary: $76,695
    The Army National Guard offers rewarding careers with competitive pay. They focus on providing security and support, both domestically and internationally. Their job roles range from healthcare to engineering and more.


  2. Summit Utilities, Inc.
    Average Salary: $72,457
    Summit Utilities, Inc. is known for its strong pay and benefits package. This company offers jobs related to utilities management. Employees enjoy a variety of roles that contribute to community needs.


  3. ABB
    Average Salary: $71,769
    ABB is a global leader in technology. They offer high-paying positions in engineering and technology sectors. ABB focuses on innovation and sustainability, providing a dynamic work environment.


  4. Encompass Health
    Average Salary: $63,949
    Encompass Health provides excellent healthcare services. They offer competitive salaries for medical professionals. Working here means contributing to the health and well-being of patients.


  5. Mars
    Average Salary: $63,448
    Mars is a well-known company in the food and pet care industry. They offer rewarding careers with good pay. Employees work on innovative products that make a difference in people's lives.


  6. Walgreens
    Average Salary: $60,281
    Walgreens is a leading pharmacy chain. They provide good salaries for pharmacists and retail staff. Working here means serving the community with health and wellness services.


  7. Romark Logistics
    Average Salary: $57,469
    Romark Logistics offers various jobs in logistics and supply chain management. They pay well for these critical roles. Employees here are vital in keeping businesses running smoothly.


  8. Bachoco
    Average Salary: $55,175
    Bachoco is a prominent poultry producer. They offer jobs with competitive pay in production and management. Working here means being part of a team that supplies quality food products.


  9. Walmart
    Average Salary: $53,528
    Walmart is one of the largest employers globally. They offer a range of positions with decent salaries. Employees enjoy benefits and opportunities for career growth.


  10. University of Arkansas
    Average Salary: $49,207
    The University of Arkansas provides educational and administrative jobs. While salaries are lower than some private sectors, the university offers benefits and a supportive work environment.

How does the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR compare to the national average?

Fort Smith, AR, presents a cost of living that is generally lower than the nationwide average. Specifically, the overall cost of living index for Fort Smith stands at 88, which is 12% below the national average of 100. Housing costs in Fort Smith are notably lower, with an index of 75, representing a 25% decrease from the average. This makes Fort Smith an attractive location for job seekers looking to reduce their living expenses.
Cost of living comparison graph for Fort Smith, AR vs. Nationwide: housing 25% lower, groceries 8% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 13% lower, healthcare 12% lower, miscellaneous 10% lower.

Fort Smith, Arkansas, shows a cost of living index that stands lower than the nationwide average. Specifically, the overall cost of living index in Fort Smith is 89, compared to the national average of 100. This means that, generally, living expenses in Fort Smith are 11% lower than the average across the country. This is a great advantage for job seekers looking to minimize their living costs without sacrificing too much in terms of quality of life.


When breaking down various categories, Fort Smith’s lower housing index of 75 offers significant savings. Housing costs in Fort Smith are 25% lower than the national average. Groceries and utilities also show favorable numbers, with indexes of 92 and 95, respectively. Although these are slightly below the national average, they remain competitive. Transportation costs are just 3% below the average, while healthcare and miscellaneous expenses are very close to the national index, at 88 and 90, respectively. This detailed breakdown highlights Fort Smith as a potentially attractive location for those seeking a balanced and affordable living environment.

There are 795 job openings in Fort Smith, AR, today!

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Fort Smith, AR
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