Overview Salaries

Salaries in Fort Smith, AR

Updated on May 10, 2026
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What is the average salary in Fort Smith, AR?

The average salary in Fort Smith, AR is $52,220 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Fort Smith, AR, showing an average salary of $52,220 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Fort Smith, AR, showing an average salary of $4,352 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Fort Smith, AR, showing an average salary of $1,004 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.

Job seekers in Fort Smith, AR, can expect to find a range of salary opportunities. The average yearly salary stands at $52,220. This number provides a solid benchmark for understanding the general pay level in the area.

Salaries in Fort Smith span across various sectors. The highest paying jobs can reach up to $170,000 annually. These high earners often work in top-tier industries like healthcare, technology, and management. Most people find jobs that offer salaries between $37,273 and $90,364 per year. This range covers a broad middle class of professions, including skilled trades, education, and administrative roles. Even entry-level positions offer competitive salaries, starting around $24,000 annually. This makes Fort Smith a viable option for those looking to build a career with reasonable expectations.

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

Job seekers in Fort Smith, AR, can find some of the best-paying opportunities in healthcare and logistics. At the top is the Nurse Practitioner, with an average salary of $146,724. This role combines nursing and medicine, offering both a high salary and the chance to help people. Another well-paid position is the Outside Sales Representative, earning about $105,097. This job involves selling products or services directly to customers, which can be both rewarding and lucrative. Additional high-paying jobs include Regional Manager and Speech Language Pathologist, with salaries around $104,400 and $102,952 respectively. Regional Managers oversee business operations in a specific area, while Speech Language Pathologists help people with communication issues. Other top earners in Fort Smith include Traveling Nurses, Occupational Therapists, and CDL Drivers, all offering competitive wages and valuable career paths. These roles provide a mix of job security, good pay, and the chance to make a difference.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Smith, AR, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $146,724 and Registered Nurse with the lowest at $70,271.

  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $146,724
    These professionals provide primary and specialty care. They work in various clinics and hospitals. Major employers include Mercy Health System and Baptist Health.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  2. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $105,097
    They sell products or services directly to customers. They often work for companies like B2B sales firms. Their job involves visiting clients and understanding their needs.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  3. Regional Manager
    Average Salary: $104,400
    This role involves overseeing business operations in a specific area. They coordinate with local teams and ensure company policies are followed. Companies like Walmart and Tyson Foods offer regional manager positions.
    Find Regional Manager jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  4. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $102,952
    They diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders. They work in healthcare facilities like St. Edward Mercy Medical Center. They help patients improve their quality of life.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  5. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $97,197
    Travel nurses provide care in different locations. They often work for companies like HealthTrust Workforce Solutions. They enjoy variety and flexibility in their work.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  6. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $90,018
    They help people of all ages improve their ability to perform tasks. They work in rehabilitation centers and schools. Employers include Mercy Health System and Baptist Health.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  7. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $82,490
    They transport goods over long distances. They often work for companies like J.B. Hunt Transport Services. This role requires a commercial driver’s license and good driving record.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  8. Hazardous Materials Tanker Driver
    Average Salary: $76,784
    They transport dangerous goods. They need a special license and must follow strict safety regulations. Employers include major logistics companies.
    Find Hazardous Materials Tanker Driver jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  9. Insurance Agent
    Average Salary: $72,210
    They help clients find the best insurance policies. They work for companies like State Farm and Allstate. This role involves meeting with clients and understanding their needs.
    Find Insurance Agent jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  10. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $70,271
    They provide and manage patient care. They work in various healthcare settings. Major employers include Mercy Health System and Baptist Health.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Fort Smith, AR

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

Job seekers in Fort Smith, AR, have access to several high-paying positions that do not require a college degree. Among these roles, Concrete Finishers top the list, earning an average salary of $39,904 annually. Other well-compensated jobs include Meat Cutters, Housekeeping staff, and Servers, all offering solid earnings and opportunities for growth. These positions offer not only competitive salaries but also valuable experience in various industries. For example, Concrete Finishers work on construction sites, shaping and finishing concrete surfaces, while Meat Cutters play a crucial role in grocery stores and butcher shops. Housekeeping staff ensure clean and comfortable environments, and Servers provide essential customer service in restaurants. These jobs provide stability and growth potential without the need for formal higher education.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Fort Smith, AR without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $39,904 and Sewing Machine Operator with the lowest at $30,374.

  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $39,904
    Concrete Finishers shape and smooth concrete in local construction projects. They work on residential and commercial buildings. Companies like local construction firms need skilled laborers for these roles.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  2. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $35,521
    Meat Cutters prepare various cuts of meat for sale. They work in grocery stores and butcher shops. Local businesses need workers to cut and package meat efficiently.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $33,269
    Housekeeping staff clean rooms and common areas in hotels and motels. They ensure a clean and welcoming environment for guests. Local hotels hire housekeepers to maintain high standards.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  4. Server
    Average Salary: $33,216
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks in restaurants. They interact with customers to provide good service. Local eateries look for friendly and efficient servers.
    Find Server jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  5. Floor Scraper
    Average Salary: $32,500
    Floor Scrapers remove old flooring and prepare surfaces for new installations. They work in various settings like homes and businesses. Local contractors hire scrapers for their expertise.
    Find Floor Scraper jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  6. Loader
    Average Salary: $32,386
    Loaders move goods and materials using forklifts or other equipment. They work in warehouses and distribution centers. Local logistics companies need skilled loaders to handle shipments.
    Find Loader jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  7. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $32,173
    Kitchen Team Members cook and prepare food in restaurants. They follow recipes and work quickly under pressure. Local restaurants hire team members to serve delicious meals.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  8. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $31,488
    Service Team Members greet customers and handle various tasks. They work in retail stores and service centers. Local businesses need dedicated team members to support operations.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  9. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $30,942
    Groundskeepers maintain lawns and gardens. They trim grass, plant flowers, and clean outdoor areas. Local parks and properties need groundskeepers to keep spaces looking great.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Fort Smith, AR


  10. Sewing Machine Operator
    Average Salary: $30,374
    Sewing Machine Operators cut and sew fabric to create garments. They work in local textile and apparel companies. These operators produce high-quality products for local and regional markets.
    Find Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Fort Smith, AR

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

Fort Smith, AR, hosts a variety of companies offering competitive salaries. The Army National Guard stands out as the top-paying employer, offering an average salary of $77,422. Summit Utilities, Inc. follows closely, with an average salary of $74,146. These figures make both companies attractive options for job seekers prioritizing higher earnings. Other notable employers in Fort Smith include ABB, Mars, and Encompass Health, all offering average salaries above $64,000. State of Arkansas, Romark Logistics, and Walmart provide salaries ranging from $50,000 to $56,000. Mercy and the University of Arkansas complete the list with average salaries just above $50,000. These companies present diverse opportunities for job seekers looking for stability and growth in Fort Smith.
Graph displaying company salaries in Fort Smith, AR, highlighting Army National Guard with the highest at $77,422 and University of Arkansas with the lowest at $50,965.

  1. Army National Guard
    Average Salary: $77,422
    The Army National Guard offers rewarding career opportunities with a strong focus on personal development and community service.


  2. Summit Utilities, Inc.
    Average Salary: $74,146
    Summit Utilities, Inc. provides reliable and essential utility services while offering competitive salaries and career growth.


  3. ABB
    Average Salary: $68,393
    ABB is a leading technology company with a focus on automation and robotics, providing well-paying positions.


  4. Mars
    Average Salary: $66,354
    Mars, a global leader in pet and food products, offers various positions with opportunities for advancement.


  5. Encompass Health
    Average Salary: $64,557
    Encompass Health specializes in rehabilitation and is dedicated to helping patients recover, offering jobs that make a difference.


  6. State of Arkansas
    Average Salary: $56,779
    The State of Arkansas provides various employment opportunities across different sectors, with a commitment to public service.


  7. Romark Logistics
    Average Salary: $55,788
    Romark Logistics focuses on transportation and distribution, offering jobs that support a vital industry.


  8. Walmart
    Average Salary: $53,729
    Walmart, a retail giant, offers a range of positions with opportunities for growth and a supportive work environment.


  9. Mercy
    Average Salary: $51,693
    Mercy provides healthcare services and offers rewarding career paths in the medical field.


  10. University of Arkansas
    Average Salary: $50,965
    The University of Arkansas offers educational and administrative positions, fostering a vibrant academic 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, which is set at 100. In Fort Smith, the overall cost of living index stands at 85. This means residents typically spend about 15% less on living expenses than the average American. More specifically, housing costs in Fort Smith are 25% below the national average. Groceries and utilities are also relatively affordable, at 90 and 95, respectively. Transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses are slightly below the national average, each at 85, 80, and 88. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for those seeking a more budget-friendly lifestyle.
Cost of living comparison graph for Fort Smith, AR vs. Nationwide: housing 25% lower, groceries 10% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 15% lower, healthcare 20% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

Fort Smith, Arkansas, offers a cost of living that is below the nationwide average in several key areas. For example, housing in Fort Smith is 25% less expensive than the national average, with an index value of 75. This means that residents can save a significant portion of their income on housing expenses compared to many other areas across the country. Additionally, grocery prices in Fort Smith are only 10% below the national average, with an index of 90. While groceries are slightly cheaper, they remain relatively affordable.


Utilities in Fort Smith are close to the national average, with an index of 95, indicating a 5% increase from the national average. This modest rise ensures that essential services like electricity and water remain accessible without a steep cost. Transportation costs also show a slight increase, with an index of 85, meaning they are 15% below the national average. Job seekers will find that commuting and general transportation are more affordable in Fort Smith compared to many other regions. Healthcare expenses, with an index of 80, are 20% less than the national average, providing another advantage for those living in this area. Miscellaneous expenses, including entertainment and personal care, have an index of 88, which means they are 12% below the national average, offering further savings for residents.

There are 776 job openings in Fort Smith, AR, today!

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Fort Smith, AR
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