Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Fort Smith, AR: $52,440 (2026)

Aircraft Mechanic Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median aircraft mechanic salary of $52,440, which is $2,622 below the Arkansas state average of $55,062. Compared to the national median of $65,550, 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 $52,440 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,550 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for aircraft mechanics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for aircraft mechanics in Fort Smith spans from $33,600 at the 10th percentile to $80,800 at the 90th percentile — a $47,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,200, while senior aircraft mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,800. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level aircraft mechanic earns around $35,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$35,200

$-8,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$53,600

$-13,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$76,800

$-19,200 vs national

Percentile	Fort Smith	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$33,600	$35,280	$42,000
25th Percentile	$41,600	$43,680	$52,000
Median (50th)	$52,440	$55,062	$65,550
75th Percentile	$67,200	$70,560	$84,000
90th Percentile	$80,800	$84,840	$101,000

Percentile

Fort Smith

10th Percentile

$33,600

25th Percentile

$41,600

Median (50th)

$52,440

75th Percentile

$67,200

90th Percentile

$80,800

How to Become a Aircraft Mechanic in Fort Smith

Education

Most aircraft mechanic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Aircraft SystemsA&P CertificationFAA RegulationsAvionicsTroubleshootingSafety Protocols

Job Outlook

Nationally, aircraft mechanic 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼

The median aircraft mechanic salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $52,440 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $65,550. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $80,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $52,440, a aircraft mechanic in Fort Smith earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for aircraft mechanic pay? ▼

Fort Smith's median aircraft mechanic salary of $52,440 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $55,062. 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 aircraft mechanic salary of $52,440 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a aircraft mechanic in Fort Smith? ▼

Most aircraft mechanic positions in Fort Smith require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Aircraft Systems, A&P Certification, FAA Regulations, Avionics. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Aircraft Mechanic Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas