What is the average salary in Fort Smith, AR?
Fort Smith, AR, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in the area is $55,106. This figure provides a good starting point for understanding the earning potential in the region. Salaries vary widely, with some sectors offering higher pay than others.
The salary distribution shows that most people earn between $24,000 and $121,045 annually. The largest group, 50.92%, earns between $24,000 and $43,409. Smaller percentages earn higher salaries, with only 0.22% making over $179,000. This spread indicates that while there are good-paying jobs available, the majority of positions fall within the middle income range. Job seekers can find competitive salaries in Fort Smith, especially in higher-paying sectors.
What are the best paying jobs in Fort Smith, AR?

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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $136,404
Nurse Practitioners work in clinics and hospitals, providing primary and specialty care. They often work with local healthcare providers to ensure patients receive the best care. Fort Smith has many healthcare facilities, offering diverse opportunities.
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Outside Sales Representative
Average Salary: $109,845
Outside Sales Representatives visit businesses to sell products or services. They build relationships with clients and understand their needs. Companies in Fort Smith value strong sales skills, making this a rewarding career.
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Regional Manager
Average Salary: $103,648
Regional Managers oversee operations in a specific area. They coordinate with local teams to meet company goals. Fort Smith's growing business environment offers many opportunities for leadership.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $99,383
Speech Language Pathologists help people with speech and language issues. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics. Fort Smith has several facilities that need skilled professionals in this field.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $96,778
Traveling Nurses work in various locations, providing care where needed. They often travel to different cities and states. Fort Smith offers many healthcare facilities, making it a good base for travel nursing.
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CDL Driver
Average Salary: $83,030
CDL Drivers transport goods across the country. They need to follow safety regulations and manage long hours. Fort Smith's location makes it a key spot for many transportation companies.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $80,880
Occupational Therapists help people recover from injuries or illnesses. They work in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. Fort Smith has many facilities that need dedicated therapists.
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Hazardous Materials Tanker Driver
Average Salary: $75,897
Hazardous Materials Tanker Drivers transport dangerous goods. They must follow strict safety protocols. Fort Smith has many industries that require this specialized skill.
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Insurance Agent
Average Salary: $73,414
Insurance Agents help clients find the right coverage. They work with individuals and businesses to meet their needs. Fort Smith has many insurance companies looking for knowledgeable agents.
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Clinical Supervisor
Average Salary: $70,319
Clinical Supervisors manage healthcare teams and ensure quality care. They work in hospitals and clinics, overseeing staff. Fort Smith offers many opportunities for those in healthcare management.
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What are the best paying jobs in Fort Smith, AR without a degree?

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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $39,707
This role involves smoothing and finishing concrete. It is a hands-on job that requires attention to detail. Companies like local construction firms offer these positions.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $34,340
Meat cutters work in grocery stores and butcher shops. They slice and package meat for customers. Local supermarkets and butcheries provide these jobs.
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Server
Average Salary: $32,566
Servers work in restaurants, serving food and drinks to customers. They need to be friendly and efficient. Many local restaurants offer these positions.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $32,425
Groundskeepers maintain the grounds of parks, schools, and other properties. They perform tasks like mowing lawns and trimming shrubs. Local government and schools offer these jobs.
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Loader
Average Salary: $32,361
Loaders work in warehouses, loading and unloading goods. They need to be strong and able to lift heavy items. Many local distribution centers offer these positions.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $32,012
Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms in hotels and motels. They need to be thorough and detail-oriented. Local hotels and motels offer these jobs.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $30,988
Service team members work in fast-food restaurants, taking orders and preparing food. They need to be quick and efficient. Many local fast-food chains offer these positions.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $30,588
Server assistants help servers by setting up tables and clearing dishes. They need to be helpful and organized. Local restaurants offer these positions.
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Sewing Machine Operator
Average Salary: $30,224
Sewing machine operators work in garment factories, sewing pieces together. They need to be precise and focused. Local garment factories offer these jobs.
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Barista
Average Salary: $29,884
Baristas work in coffee shops, preparing drinks for customers. They need to be friendly and knowledgeable about coffee. Local coffee shops offer these positions.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Fort Smith, AR?

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Army National Guard
Average Salary: $76,833
Army National Guard offers rewarding careers with competitive pay. They provide training and opportunities for advancement.
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ABB
Average Salary: $72,332
ABB is a technology leader in power and automation. They offer high salaries and a chance to work on innovative projects.
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Summit Utilities, Inc.
Average Salary: $68,659
Summit Utilities, Inc. provides essential services and offers good compensation. They focus on employee development and job satisfaction.
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Mars
Average Salary: $64,556
Mars is a global leader in the food and pet care industry. They offer competitive pay and a chance to work on exciting projects.
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Encompass Health
Average Salary: $63,248
Encompass Health provides healthcare services and offers good salaries. They focus on employee well-being and career growth.
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Covington Court Health and Rehabilitation Center
Average Salary: $54,609
Covington Court offers healthcare services with a focus on patient care. They provide decent pay and a supportive work environment.
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Walmart
Average Salary: $53,605
Walmart is a retail giant offering a variety of job opportunities. They provide competitive pay and benefits.
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Mercy
Average Salary: $52,088
Mercy offers healthcare services and provides good salaries. They focus on employee well-being and career development.
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ABF Freight
Average Salary: $49,892
ABF Freight provides transportation services and offers decent pay. They focus on employee safety and career growth.
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Legacy Health and Rehabilitation
Average Salary: $49,709
Legacy Health and Rehabilitation offers healthcare services with a focus on patient care. They provide decent pay and a supportive work environment.
How does the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR compare to the national average?

Fort Smith, Arkansas, offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average. The cost of living index for Fort Smith stands at 86, which is 14% below the national average of 100. This lower cost of living makes Fort Smith an attractive option for those seeking more affordable housing, groceries, and other daily expenses. Housing costs in Fort Smith are 19% lower than the national average, with an index of 81. This means that residents can find more affordable housing options compared to the rest of the country.
In addition to housing, Fort Smith also offers lower costs in other areas. Groceries cost 5% less, with an index of 95, while utilities are 8% lower at 92. Transportation costs are 11% lower, with an index of 89, and healthcare costs are 8% lower, at 92. Miscellaneous expenses are also 13% lower, with an index of 87. These savings can help residents stretch their dollars further, making Fort Smith a financially prudent choice for those looking to improve their quality of life without a significant increase in expenses.