Agriculture & Environment Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median agricultural scientist salary in Fort Smith, AR is $59,328 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$59,328
vs State Avg
$-2,966
vs National
$-14,832
Cost of Living
80%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $59,328, which is $2,966 below the Arkansas state average of $62,294. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Fort Smith pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fort Smith's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $59,328 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $74,160 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for agricultural scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Fort Smith spans from $35,200 at the 10th percentile to $97,600 at the 90th percentile — a $62,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,400, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,000. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $38,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,400
$-9,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,800
$-15,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,000
$-23,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $35,200
25th Percentile $44,800
Median (50th) $59,328
75th Percentile $78,400
90th Percentile $97,600

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$65,261
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$64,519
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$62,294
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$60,811
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Fort Smith

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $59,328 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $97,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,328, a agricultural scientist in Fort Smith earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median agricultural scientist salary of $59,328 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $62,294. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
Fort Smith has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $59,328 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Fort Smith? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agronomy, Research Methods, Data Analysis, Soil Science. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.