What Is The Average Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Average Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Average Salary
$48000
Median Household Income
$44500
Job Growth Rate
2.2%

šŸ‘„
Population
89142
šŸ’¼
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
šŸ“ˆ
Cost of Living Index
89.5
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College Educated
22.5%

How Fort Smith Stacks Up

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Average Salary

$48000

Competitive for Arkansas markets

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Adjusted Value

$53631

After cost of living adjustment

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Home Prices

$254900

Median home value

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Job Growth

2.2%

Annual employment expansion

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Understanding the Salary Landscape in Fort Smith, Arkansas

If you’re considering a career move to Fort Smith, understanding the local salary landscape is crucial for making informed decisions. With a population of 89142 and an average salary of $48000, Fort Smith offers competitive compensation across various industries.

The median household income in Fort Smith stands at $44500, reflecting the earning potential for families in the area. When adjusted for the cost of living index of 89.5, the real purchasing power translates to approximately $53631 annually.

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level in Fort Smith

Career progression in Fort Smith shows clear salary advancement opportunities across different experience levels:

Entry Level
$36000
Starting salaries for professionals with 0-2 years of experience
Mid-Career
$48000
Average earnings for professionals with 3-7 years of experience
Senior Level
$62000
Compensation for experienced professionals with 8+ years

The salary progression from entry-level to senior positions shows strong growth potential, with mid-career professionals earning approximately $48000 and senior-level employees commanding salaries around $62000. For comparison with neighboring states, check out average salaries in Alabama or salaries in Oklahoma.

Top Industries and Employers in Fort Smith

Fort Smith has a diverse economic landscape with several thriving industries driving job growth and competitive salaries:

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Highest Paying Industry

Manufacturing

The Manufacturing sector offers the most competitive salaries in Fort Smith, attracting top talent and driving economic growth in Arkansas.

Major Industries in Fort Smith:

Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics

Major Employers Hiring in Fort Smith

Some of the largest employers in Fort Smith include: ArcBest, Mercy Hospital, Rheem, Gerber. These companies offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages, contributing to the city’s robust job market with a job growth rate of 2.2%.

Cost of Living in Fort Smith: What Your Salary Can Buy

Understanding how far your salary goes in Fort Smith requires analyzing the local cost of living. With a cost of living index of 89.5 (where 100 is the national average), Fort Smith offers good value for money in Arkansas.

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Housing
Median Home Price:
$254900
Average Rent:
$1150/month
Housing Index:
88
šŸš—
Transportation
Transportation Index:
98
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Groceries
Grocery Index:
102
āš•ļø
Healthcare
Healthcare Index:
92
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Monthly Living Costs
Single Person:
$2150
Family of 4:
$4680

With housing costs representing a housing index of 88 and an average monthly rent of $1150, Fort Smith provides affordable living options. The median home price of $254900 and estimated monthly necessities of $2150 for a single person or $4680 for a family should be factored into your financial planning.

Job Market and Employment Trends in Fort Smith

The job market in Fort Smith shows promising signs with a job growth rate of 2.2% and an unemployment rate of 4.5%. This indicates a healthy economy with expanding opportunities for job seekers across Arkansas.

Job Growth Rate
2.2%
↗ Growing
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
Current Rate

For professionals exploring opportunities across the state, our comprehensive Arkansas salary guide provides detailed comparisons to help you identify the best locations for your career growth.

Demographics and Workforce Profile

Fort Smith has a median age of 37.2 years, with 22.5% of the population holding a college degree. This educated workforce contributes to the city’s competitive salary landscape and attracts employers seeking skilled talent. For similar regional opportunities, explore salary data in Tennessee.

Median Age
37.2 years
College Educated
22.5%

Key Takeaways About Salaries in Fort Smith

  • šŸ’° The average salary in Fort Smith is $48000, with median household income at $44500
  • šŸ“Š When adjusted for cost of living (89.5), salaries have approximately $53631 in purchasing power
  • šŸŽÆ Manufacturing is the highest-paying industry, offering premium compensation packages
  • šŸ¢ Major employers like ArcBest, Mercy Hospital, Rheem, Gerber provide stable career opportunities
  • šŸ“ˆ The city shows 2.2% job growth with 4.5% unemployment rate
  • šŸ  Housing costs include median home prices at $254900 and average rent at $1150
  • šŸ’µ Monthly living costs: $2150 (single) | $4680 (family)
  • šŸŽ“ 22.5% of the population holds college degrees, indicating a skilled workforce

Making Your Decision: Is Fort Smith the Right Career Move?

Fort Smith offers a compelling combination of competitive salaries, growing job opportunities, and Arkansas’s affordable lifestyle. With an average salary of $48000 and a cost of living index of 89.5, professionals can enjoy a comfortable standard of living while building their careers.

The city’s 2.2% job growth rate and 4.5% unemployment rate signal a thriving economy with expanding opportunities across multiple industries, particularly in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics.

Whether you’re an entry-level professional earning around $36000 or a senior executive commanding $62000, Fort Smith provides the economic foundation for career growth and financial stability in Arkansas.

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