Salaries in Fort Smith, AR

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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What is the average salary in Fort Smith, AR?

The average salary in Fort Smith, AR is $54,117 per year.

Fort Smith, AR, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary for jobs in this area is around $54,117. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers. Salaries can vary widely based on the industry and position.


Here are some common salary ranges for different job sectors in Fort Smith:

  • Manufacturing: $24,000 to $129,273
  • Healthcare: $41,545 to $146,818
  • Retail: $18,220 to $76,636
  • Education: $10,780 to $94,182
  • Information Technology: $5,070 to $164,364
  • Finance: $2,500 to $181,909
  • Construction: $1,280 to $199,455
  • Hospitality: $500 to $217,000

These figures show that Fort Smith has a diverse job market with many opportunities for growth and advancement.

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

Fort Smith, AR, offers several high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Among the top-paying roles are Nurse Practitioners, Outside Sales Representatives, and Counselors. These positions provide competitive salaries and the chance to work in a growing community. Nurse Practitioners lead the way with an average salary of $135,564. Outside Sales Representatives and Counselors also earn well, with salaries around $109,774 and $103,154, respectively. These jobs require specific skills and qualifications, making them attractive to those seeking both financial stability and professional growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Smith, AR, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $135,564 and Clinical Supervisor with the lowest at $73,318.
  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $135,564
    Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They work in hospitals and clinics, often collaborating with doctors. They diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and educate patients on health.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  2. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $109,774
    Outside Sales Representatives sell products or services to businesses. They travel to meet clients and build relationships. They work for companies like automotive dealers, tech firms, and manufacturing businesses.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  3. Counselor
    Average Salary: $103,154
    Counselors help people with personal, social, and career issues. They work in schools, hospitals, and private practices. They provide support and guidance to improve mental health. They often work with organizations like mental health clinics and educational institutions.
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  4. Regional Manager
    Average Salary: $100,202
    Regional Managers oversee business operations in a specific area. They coordinate between different branches and ensure goals are met. They work for companies in retail, hospitality, and manufacturing. They manage teams and handle budgets.
    Find Regional Manager jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  5. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $98,366
    Traveling Nurses work in various locations, providing care where needed. They often travel to different states or regions. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They adapt to new environments quickly and provide essential care.
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  6. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $94,043
    Speech Language Pathologists help people with communication and swallowing disorders. They work in schools, hospitals, and private practices. They create treatment plans and work with patients to improve their abilities. They often collaborate with educators and healthcare professionals.
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  7. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $81,635
    Occupational Therapists help people improve their ability to perform daily tasks. They work in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. They create personalized treatment plans and work with patients to regain independence. They often collaborate with doctors and other healthcare providers.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  8. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $80,549
    CDL Drivers operate large vehicles to transport goods. They work for logistics companies, delivery services, and transportation firms. They follow safety regulations and ensure timely delivery. They often travel long distances and need to stay organized.
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  9. Hazardous Materials Tanker Driver
    Average Salary: $76,551
    Hazardous Materials Tanker Drivers transport dangerous materials. They work for chemical companies, oil firms, and transportation services. They follow strict safety protocols. They need to be highly responsible and aware of potential risks.
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  10. Clinical Supervisor
    Average Salary: $73,318
    Clinical Supervisors oversee healthcare staff and operations. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They ensure staff follow protocols and provide quality care. They often work with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
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What are the best paying jobs in Fort Smith, AR without a degree?

Fort Smith, AR, offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Concrete finishers, meat cutters, and restaurant managers lead the list with competitive salaries. These positions provide good earning potential and valuable work experience. Concrete finishers earn an average of $41,398 annually, while meat cutters make around $34,257. Restaurant managers can expect to earn about $33,144 per year. These roles offer stability and the chance to advance in the field. Other well-paying jobs include server, groundskeeper, and housekeeping, all providing good income opportunities without needing a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Smith, AR without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $41,398 and Kitchen Team Member with the lowest at $29,223.
  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $41,398
    This role involves smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. Workers use tools to shape and level the concrete. Companies like local construction firms hire for these positions.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  2. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $34,257
    Meat cutters slice and package meat products. They work in grocery stores and butcher shops. This job requires attention to detail and the ability to handle meat safely.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  3. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $33,144
    Restaurant managers oversee daily operations. They handle staff, customer service, and inventory. Local eateries and chains offer these roles.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  4. Server
    Average Salary: $32,162
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks. They work in a fast-paced environment. Many restaurants and cafes are hiring for these positions.
    Find Server jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  5. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $32,073
    Groundskeepers maintain lawns and gardens. They perform tasks like mowing, trimming, and planting. Parks and private properties need these workers.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $31,459
    Housekeeping staff clean rooms and common areas. They ensure a tidy environment. Hotels and motels hire for these positions.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  7. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $30,221
    Server assistants help with food and drink service. They work alongside servers to ensure smooth operations. Restaurants and cafes offer these roles.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  8. Sewing Machine Operator
    Average Salary: $30,181
    Operators run machines to sew fabric. They follow patterns and instructions. Garment factories and custom shops hire for these jobs.
    Find Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  9. Barista
    Average Salary: $29,770
    Baristas make coffee and other drinks. They work in coffee shops and cafes. This job requires customer service skills and attention to detail.
    Find Barista jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  10. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $29,223
    Kitchen team members assist in food preparation. They help cooks and chefs. Restaurants and eateries hire for these positions.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Fort Smith, AR

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

Job seekers in Fort Smith, AR, can find competitive salaries at several top companies. Army National Guard offers the highest average salary at $77,542. ABB and Dollar General also provide attractive compensation packages, with average salaries of $71,099 and $69,699, respectively. Mars, Summit Utilities, Inc., and Encompass Health follow closely with average salaries ranging from $65,650 to $61,581. These companies offer good opportunities for those seeking well-paying jobs in the area. Walmart, Baptist Health Arkansas, Mercy, and Covington Court Health and Rehabilitation Center also provide competitive salaries, making Fort Smith a promising place for job seekers.
Graph displaying company salaries in Fort Smith, AR, highlighting Army National Guard with the highest at $77,542 and Covington Court Health and Rehabilitation Center with the lowest at $49,079.
  1. Army National Guard
    Average Salary: $77,542
    Army National Guard offers a mix of civilian and military roles. It provides job security and benefits.


  2. ABB
    Average Salary: $71,099
    ABB focuses on technology and innovation. It offers competitive salaries and career growth opportunities.


  3. Dollar General
    Average Salary: $69,699
    Dollar General is a retail giant with many store positions. It provides a stable work environment and benefits.


  4. Mars
    Average Salary: $65,650
    Mars is a leading food and pet care company. It offers a dynamic work environment and good compensation.


  5. Summit Utilities, Inc.
    Average Salary: $63,238
    Summit Utilities, Inc. provides essential services. It offers job stability and competitive pay.


  6. Encompass Health
    Average Salary: $61,581
    Encompass Health focuses on healthcare. It offers rewarding work and a supportive environment.


  7. Walmart
    Average Salary: $55,590
    Walmart is a retail giant with many positions. It offers benefits and opportunities for advancement.


  8. Baptist Health Arkansas
    Average Salary: $54,853
    Baptist Health Arkansas provides healthcare services. It offers a caring environment and good benefits.


  9. Mercy
    Average Salary: $53,450
    Mercy offers healthcare services. It provides a supportive work environment and competitive pay.


  10. Covington Court Health and Rehabilitation Center
    Average Salary: $49,079
    Covington Court Health and Rehabilitation Center provides healthcare services. It offers a caring environment and good benefits.

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

Fort Smith, AR, offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average. The overall 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 job seekers looking to maximize their budget. Specifically, housing costs in Fort Smith are 25% lower than the national average, with an index of 75. Groceries and utilities also remain competitive, with indices of 90 and 95, respectively. Transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs are slightly below the national average, further enhancing Fort Smith's appeal for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life.
Cost of living comparison graph for Fort Smith, AR vs. Nationwide: housing 25% lower, groceries 10% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 15% lower, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 20% lower.

Fort Smith, Arkansas, offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average. The housing index in Fort Smith stands at 75, which is 25% below the national average of 100. This suggests that housing costs in Fort Smith are more affordable, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on their living expenses. Additionally, the groceries index is 90, indicating that grocery prices are only 10% below the national average. This means that residents can expect to spend slightly less on food compared to the average American.


Utilities in Fort Smith are priced at 95, which is 5% below the national average. This small difference shows that utility costs are nearly on par with the rest of the country. For transportation, the index is 85, which is 15% lower than the national average. This suggests that commuting and other transportation-related expenses are more economical in Fort Smith. Healthcare costs, at 95, are also close to the national average, offering residents similar access to medical services without the higher costs seen in other areas. Overall, Fort Smith provides a cost of living that is beneficial for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle.

There are 1,362 job openings in Fort Smith, AR, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Fort Smith, AR

Discover what it's like to work in Fort Smith, AR. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Fort Smith, AR
1,362 Job Openings