Salary & Cost of Living in Fort Smith, AR
Fort Smith, AR: $44,800 median salary, cost of living index 82, $11.00/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$44,800
$22/hr
Cost of Living
82
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$11.00
per hour
Unemployment
3.8%
rate
Fort Smith, AR Overview
Population
89,142
Median Salary
$44,800
Average Salary
$49,500
Avg Commute
19 min
Median Home Price
$140,000
Median Rent
$800/mo
Job Growth
+0.8%
Sales Tax
9.75%
Fort Smith is located in Arkansas with a population of 89,142. The median household salary is $44,800 per year ($22/hour), which is $14,584 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +0.8%.
Fort Smith Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Fort Smith, AR, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$36,288
$3,024.01/month · $1,395.70/biweekly · Effective Rate: 19.0%
Gross Pay
$44,800
Federal Tax
-$3,338
State Tax
-$1,747
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,427
Net Pay
$36,288
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $3,733.33 | $44,800.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$278.13 | -$3,337.50 |
| Arkansas State Tax (3.9%) | -$145.60 | -$1,747.20 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$231.47 | -$2,777.60 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$54.13 | -$649.60 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,024.01 | $36,288.10 |
Salary Comparison: Fort Smith vs Other Cities
See how Fort Smith's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Smith, AR | $44,800 | 82 | $54,634 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Cicero, IL | $45,000 | 88 | $51,136 |
| Shreveport, LA | $45,000 | 83 | $54,217 |
| Jackson, MS | $45,000 | 82 | $54,878 |
| Paterson, NJ | $45,000 | 105 | $42,857 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Fort Smith
Fort Smith's cost of living index is 82 (national average = 100). Living in Fort Smith is 18% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$140,000
Median Monthly Rent
$800
Annual Rent Cost
$9,600
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $36,288 annual take-home pay in Fort Smith has the purchasing power of approximately $44,254 in an average-cost US area. Your $44,800 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Fort Smith
Fort Smith's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $44,800.
Salary Tips for Fort Smith Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Fort Smith has a cost of living 18% below the national average. A salary of $44,800 here has the purchasing power of about $54,634 in an average-cost area.
- Research top industries. Fort Smith's top industries include Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $44,800 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
Related Salary Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Fort Smith, AR?
The median salary in Fort Smith, AR is $44,800 per year, or $22 per hour. The average salary is $49,500. This is $14,584 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR?
Fort Smith's cost of living index is 82 (national average = 100), meaning it is 18% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $140,000 and the median monthly rent is $800.
What are the best industries in Fort Smith?
The top industries in Fort Smith, AR include Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics. The city has a job growth rate of 0.8% and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $44,800.
How does Fort Smith's salary compare to other cities?
Fort Smith's median salary of $44,800 is 24.6% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 82), the real purchasing power is approximately $54,634.
What is the minimum wage in Fort Smith, AR?
The minimum wage in Fort Smith, AR is $11.00 per hour. This equals approximately $22,880 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $3.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.