What is the average salary in Fort Smith, AR?
Fort Smith, AR, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in Fort Smith is around $51,845. This figure reflects the combined earnings from different industries present in the area.
Here are some of the top-paying industries in Fort Smith, along with their average salaries:
- Healthcare: $98,182
- Manufacturing: $73,455
- Retail Trade: $48,727
- Finance and Insurance: $73,455
- Professional and Business Services: $85,818
What are the best paying jobs in Fort Smith, AR?

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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $149,657
These professionals provide primary care. They can also work in specialty areas like pediatrics. Healthcare providers in Fort Smith offer many opportunities.
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Regional Manager
Average Salary: $106,445
These managers oversee multiple branches within a region. They lead teams to meet sales targets. Local businesses and chains have many roles available.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $104,845
These specialists work with people who have speech or language difficulties. They often work in hospitals or schools. The demand in Fort Smith is steady.
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Outside Sales Representative
Average Salary: $100,112
They sell products directly to customers. Their work involves traveling and meeting clients. Many local and national companies have openings.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $96,583
They provide care in different locations. They often work short-term assignments. Healthcare facilities in Fort Smith offer diverse opportunities.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $91,548
They help people improve their ability to perform daily tasks. They often work with patients recovering from injuries. Hospitals and clinics in the area need them.
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CDL Driver
Average Salary: $83,630
They drive large vehicles. This can include trucks or buses. Companies that need drivers include logistics firms and public transport services.
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Hazardous Materials Tanker Driver
Average Salary: $76,144
They transport dangerous goods safely. This role needs a special license. Transport companies in the area need qualified drivers.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $73,339
They provide care to patients. They often work in hospitals or clinics. The demand for nurses is strong in healthcare facilities.
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Insurance Agent
Average Salary: $70,988
They sell insurance policies to clients. They help people find the best coverage. Many insurance companies have openings in the area.
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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: $38,590
Concrete finishers shape and smooth new concrete. They work with construction crews in Fort Smith. Companies like XYZ Construction hire concrete finishers.
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Lawn Care Technician
Average Salary: $36,450
Lawn care technicians mow, trim, and clean outdoor spaces. They often work for landscaping companies in Fort Smith. Green Thumb Landscapes offers such positions.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $35,732
Meat cutters slice, trim, and package meat products. They work in grocery stores and butcher shops. Local grocers such as ABC Foods hire meat cutters.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $34,797
Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms at hotels. They ensure a pleasant environment for guests. Fort Smith hotels like the XYZ Lodge offer housekeeping roles.
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Server
Average Salary: $33,642
Servers take orders and serve food and drinks in restaurants. They interact with customers to ensure a good dining experience. Local eateries hire servers to help run their establishments.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $32,514
Kitchen team members prepare and cook food in restaurants. They work under chefs to create delicious meals. Many local restaurants hire kitchen team members for their busy kitchens.
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Floor Scraper
Average Salary: $32,500
Floor scrapers remove old flooring to prepare for new installations. They work in construction and remodeling projects. Companies in Fort Smith, such as Home Improvement Inc., need floor scrapers.
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Loader
Average Salary: $32,396
Loaders use forklifts to move materials. They work in warehouses and manufacturing plants. Local companies like Distribution Co. hire loaders to handle heavy lifting.
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Sewing Machine Operator
Average Salary: $30,512
Sewing machine operators use machines to sew fabric. They often work in garment factories. Factories in Fort Smith, such as Textile Works, need skilled operators.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $29,550
Groundskeepers maintain outdoor areas. They may mow lawns, trim trees, and plant flowers. Local parks and sports facilities in Fort Smith hire groundskeepers.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Fort Smith, AR?

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ABB
Average Salary: $67,882
ABB is a technology leader in power and automation. They offer exciting opportunities in engineering and technology.
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Encompass Health
Average Salary: $64,686
Encompass Health focuses on healthcare and rehabilitation. They provide rewarding work in nursing and therapy.
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State of Arkansas
Average Salary: $57,078
The State of Arkansas offers diverse job opportunities in government services. They promote public safety and administration.
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Walmart
Average Salary: $53,628
Walmart is a global retail giant. They provide jobs in retail management and customer service.
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Mercy
Average Salary: $53,588
Mercy is a healthcare provider known for its quality patient care. They offer jobs in various healthcare roles.
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University of Arkansas
Average Salary: $50,920
The University of Arkansas provides higher education and research opportunities. They offer jobs in teaching and academia.
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Fort Smith Public Schools
Average Salary: $49,490
Fort Smith Public Schools offers educational opportunities. They provide jobs in teaching and school administration.
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City of Fort Smith
Average Salary: $46,942
The City of Fort Smith manages municipal services. They offer jobs in public service and administration.
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Tyson Foods Incorporated
Average Salary: $40,091
Tyson Foods is a leading food company. They provide jobs in food processing and distribution.
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OK Foods
Average Salary: $35,624
OK Foods focuses on food production. They offer jobs in manufacturing and quality control.
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 generally lower than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. According to available data, the cost of living index for housing in Fort Smith stands at 83, which is 17% below the national average. This suggests that residents in Fort Smith can expect to spend less on housing compared to the average American household. Similarly, the grocery cost index is 91, indicating a 9% reduction from the national average.
In Fort Smith, utilities and transportation also reflect lower costs. The utilities index is 97, which is 3% below the national average, while the transportation index is 88, representing a 12% decrease. Healthcare costs are slightly closer to the average at 95, showing only a 5% reduction. Finally, miscellaneous costs stand at 89, a modest 11% lower than the national average. Together, these factors paint a picture of Fort Smith as a place where overall living expenses remain favorably lower than the national benchmark.



