Overview Salaries

Salaries in Fort Smith, AR

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Fort Smith, AR?

The average salary in Fort Smith, AR is $52,912 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Fort Smith, AR, showing an average salary of $52,912 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Fort Smith, AR, showing an average salary of $4,409 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Fort Smith, AR, showing an average salary of $1,018 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Fort Smith, AR, showing an average salary of $25 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Fort Smith, AR, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is around $52,912. This figure represents a balance of multiple industries and positions available in the city.


Here are some common jobs and their associated salaries in Fort Smith:

  • Retail salespersons earn about $24,000 annually.
  • Cooks make around $39,545 per year.
  • Registered nurses can earn up to $55,091 yearly.
  • Elementary school teachers see salaries around $70,636 annually.
  • Police officers earn up to $86,182 per year.
These ranges highlight the diversity of income levels across different roles in Fort Smith.

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

Fort Smith, AR offers a range of high-paying job opportunities. The city provides well-compensated roles in healthcare, sales, and logistics. For example, Nurse Practitioners earn an average of $146,323 annually. Outside Sales Representatives and Speech Language Pathologists also command strong salaries. In Fort Smith, skilled professionals can find rewarding positions. Regional Managers, traveling nurses, and occupational therapists secure competitive earnings. CDL Drivers and insurance agents can also earn good incomes. These roles provide a good balance between salary and job satisfaction. Job seekers in Fort Smith have plenty of options to pursue lucrative careers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Smith, AR, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $146,323 and Registered Nurse with the lowest at $63,250.

  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $146,323
    A nurse practitioner works in healthcare, providing primary or specialty care. They diagnose and treat conditions. They work in local hospitals and private practices, such as Mercy Health and Baptist Health. These roles are vital to the community.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  2. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $107,856
    Sales representatives sell products or services. They build relationships with clients. They visit businesses to understand needs. They work for companies like Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Walmart. They help businesses grow and succeed.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  3. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $99,889
    They help people with speech or language problems. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics. They create treatment plans and work with clients. Local schools and rehabilitation centers hire these professionals. Their work makes a real difference in people’s lives.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  4. Regional Manager
    Average Salary: $99,429
    A regional manager oversees multiple locations. They ensure stores run smoothly. They handle budgets and staff. Companies like Walmart and Tyson Foods have these roles. They play a key part in the success of their region.
    Find Regional Manager jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  5. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $97,370
    Traveling nurses move to different areas for work. They provide medical care where needed. They often work in hospitals or clinics. They need flexibility and strong skills. Agencies like Aya Healthcare and Host Healthcare hire them. Their work is always in demand.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  6. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $85,877
    They help people with injuries or disabilities. They create treatment plans. They work in hospitals and schools. Local facilities need these professionals. Their work helps others live better lives.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  7. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $82,222
    CDL drivers transport goods. They drive large trucks. They follow safety rules. Companies like J.B. Hunt Transport Services and Swift Transportation hire them. Their work is crucial for moving products across the country.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  8. Insurance Agent
    Average Salary: $77,009
    Insurance agents sell insurance policies. They help clients choose the right coverage. They work for companies like State Farm and Allstate. Their advice helps people protect their assets.
    Find Insurance Agent jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  9. Hazardous Materials Tanker Driver
    Average Salary: $76,020
    They transport dangerous materials. They follow strict safety rules. Companies like CH Robinson and Schneider hire these drivers. Their work is vital for moving chemicals and other hazardous materials safely.
    Find Hazardous Materials Tanker Driver jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  10. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $63,250
    Registered nurses provide patient care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and homes. They assist doctors and monitor patients. Hospitals like Mercy Health and local clinics hire them. Their care is essential for patient recovery.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Fort Smith, AR

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

Fort Smith, AR, offers several well-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Concrete finishers stand out with an average salary of around $39,721, which is the highest among these positions. Other good options include lawn care technicians, meat cutters, and housekeeping roles, all providing annual salaries that can exceed $30,000. These jobs provide stability and the chance to earn a good income. Lawn care technicians and housekeeping workers can expect salaries around $36,000 and $33,000, respectively. Meat cutters, servers, and floor scrapers also offer salaries starting at approximately $32,000. These roles often include benefits and opportunities for advancement, making them attractive choices for those seeking solid employment without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Smith, AR without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $39,721 and Groundskeeper with the lowest at $31,448.

  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $39,721
    This role involves smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. It plays a vital part in construction projects. Skilled laborers work with local contractors and businesses.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  2. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $36,108
    Maintaining landscapes is key in this job. It involves mowing, trimming, and other groundskeeping duties. Many opportunities exist with local landscaping companies.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  3. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $35,404
    This position requires cutting and packaging meat. It is essential for grocery stores and butcher shops. Individuals work in well-stocked retail environments.
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  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $33,416
    Ensuring cleanliness and orderliness is the focus. This role involves tidying rooms and common areas. It is in demand at hotels and residential properties.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $33,260
    Serving food and drinks is a key task. This role requires good customer service skills. Many local restaurants and cafes offer these positions.
    Find Server jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  6. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $32,701
    Helping servers with tasks is crucial. This role involves setting tables and clearing dishes. It is found in busy dining establishments.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  7. Floor Scraper
    Average Salary: $32,500
    This role deals with preparing floors for new coatings. It involves removing old finishes and smoothing surfaces. Local contractors need skilled floor scrapers.
    Find Floor Scraper jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  8. Loader
    Average Salary: $32,386
    Loading and unloading goods is important. This role requires physical strength and attention to detail. Many retail and warehouse businesses offer these jobs.
    Find Loader jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  9. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $31,623
    Delivering excellent customer service is key. This role involves assisting customers and handling inquiries. Opportunities abound in various service-oriented businesses.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  10. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $31,448
    Maintaining outdoor spaces is vital. This role requires lawn care and garden upkeep. Local properties and parks seek reliable groundskeepers.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Fort Smith, AR

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

In Fort Smith, AR, job seekers can find competitive salaries at several top companies. The Army National Guard stands out with an average salary of $76,904. Other notable companies include Summit Utilities, Inc. and ABB, offering average salaries of $73,773 and $68,917, respectively. Mars, Encompass Health, and Walgreens also provide attractive compensation packages, with average salaries ranging from $64,900 to $59,286. State of Arkansas, Romark Logistics, Walmart, and Bachoco complete the list of high-paying employers in the area, offering salaries between $56,500 and $53,000. These figures highlight the diverse job opportunities in Fort Smith for those seeking competitive pay.
Graph displaying company salaries in Fort Smith, AR, highlighting Army National Guard with the highest at $76,904 and Bachoco with the lowest at $53,067.

  1. Army National Guard
    Average Salary: $76,904
    The Army National Guard offers rewarding service with a strong emphasis on community and personal development. It provides competitive salaries and benefits.


  2. Summit Utilities, Inc.
    Average Salary: $73,773
    Summit Utilities, Inc. provides essential services in the energy sector. It values employee growth and offers solid compensation packages.


  3. ABB
    Average Salary: $68,917
    ABB is a global leader in technology and innovation. They offer competitive wages and opportunities for career advancement.


  4. Mars
    Average Salary: $64,899
    Mars is a renowned name in the food industry. They focus on sustainability and offer good salaries to their employees.


  5. Encompass Health
    Average Salary: $64,557
    Encompass Health provides excellent healthcare services. They value their staff and offer competitive pay.


  6. Walgreens
    Average Salary: $59,286
    Walgreens is a trusted pharmacy chain. They offer stable employment and a good salary for their workers.


  7. State of Arkansas
    Average Salary: $56,499
    The State of Arkansas offers various job opportunities. It provides a stable work environment and fair compensation.


  8. Romark Logistics
    Average Salary: $55,788
    Romark Logistics specializes in transportation and logistics. They value their employees and offer competitive salaries.


  9. Walmart
    Average Salary: $53,091
    Walmart is a global retail giant. They offer job stability and a decent salary for their staff.


  10. Bachoco
    Average Salary: $53,067
    Bachoco is a leading poultry company. They provide good compensation and a supportive work environment.

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

Fort Smith, AR, offers a lower cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index in Fort Smith stands at 85. This means residents spend 15% less than the national average on living expenses. Housing costs in Fort Smith are notably lower, at 75. Groceries cost 90, slightly above the national index. Utilities are slightly higher at 95, but healthcare (92) and miscellaneous items (80) remain affordable. This balance makes Fort Smith an attractive option for those seeking cost-effective living.
Cost of living comparison graph for Fort Smith, AR vs. Nationwide: housing 25% lower, groceries 10% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 15% lower, healthcare 8% lower, miscellaneous 20% lower.

Fort Smith, Arkansas, stands out with a cost of living index that is notably lower than the national average. This average is set at 100, and Fort Smith's index sits at 85. Such a figure indicates that residents in this area generally spend less on their everyday needs compared to the average American. Housing costs, in particular, are 25% lower than the national average, making it a particularly attractive aspect for those seeking more affordable living options.


When looking at specific categories, Fort Smith continues to offer savings while maintaining reasonable prices in essential areas. For instance, groceries cost only 10% less than the national average, suggesting that fresh produce and food staples remain accessible. Utilities also reflect a slight increase, standing at 95, which means they are 5% cheaper compared to the nationwide cost. Healthcare costs mirror the national average, with a minor 8% decrease, providing additional peace of mind for those considering relocation. These factors contribute to Fort Smith's overall appeal, making it a competitive option for those looking to balance affordability with quality of life.

There are 1,140 job openings in Fort Smith, AR, today!

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Fort Smith, AR
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