Personal Care & Fitness Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Athletic Trainer Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median athletic trainer salary in Fort Smith, AR is $43,072 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$43,072
vs State Avg
$-2,154
vs National
$-10,768
Cost of Living
80%

Athletic Trainer Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median athletic trainer salary of $43,072, which is $2,154 below the Arkansas state average of $45,226. Compared to the national median of $53,840, 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 $43,072 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $53,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for athletic trainers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for athletic trainers in Fort Smith spans from $27,200 at the 10th percentile to $65,600 at the 90th percentile — a $38,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,800, while senior athletic trainers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $62,400. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Athletic Trainer Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level athletic trainer earns around $28,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,800
$-7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,000
$-11,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,400
$-15,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $27,200
25th Percentile $33,600
Median (50th) $43,072
75th Percentile $54,400
90th Percentile $65,600

Athletic Trainer Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$47,379
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$46,841
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$45,226
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$44,149
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Athletic Trainer in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Injury AssessmentRehabilitationTaping/BracingEmergency CareExercise ScienceCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, athletic trainer employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Athletic Trainer Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open athletic trainer positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Athletic Trainer Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Athletic Trainer make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median athletic trainer salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $43,072 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $53,840. Salaries range from $27,200 (10th percentile) to $65,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Athletic Trainer make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,072, a athletic trainer in Fort Smith earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for athletic trainer pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median athletic trainer salary of $43,072 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $45,226. 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 athletic trainer salary of $43,072 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a athletic trainer in Fort Smith? ▼
Most athletic trainer positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Injury Assessment, Rehabilitation, Taping/Bracing, Emergency Care. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.