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

Barber Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median barber salary in Fort Smith, AR is $28,592 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$28,592
vs State Avg
$-1,430
vs National
$-7,148
Cost of Living
80%

Barber Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median barber salary of $28,592, which is $1,430 below the Arkansas state average of $30,022. Compared to the national median of $35,740, 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 $28,592 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for barbers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for barbers in Fort Smith spans from $18,400 at the 10th percentile to $49,600 at the 90th percentile — a $31,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,000, while senior barbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $46,400. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Barber Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level barber earns around $20,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$20,000
$-5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$29,600
$-7,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$46,400
$-11,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $18,400
25th Percentile $22,400
Median (50th) $28,592
75th Percentile $38,400
90th Percentile $49,600

Barber Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$31,451
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$31,094
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$30,022
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$29,307
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Barber in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

HaircuttingShavingClient ConsultationSanitationStylingBusiness Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, barber employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Barber Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open barber positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Barber Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Barber make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median barber salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $28,592 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $35,740. Salaries range from $18,400 (10th percentile) to $49,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Barber make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $28,592, a barber in Fort Smith earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for barber pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median barber salary of $28,592 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $30,022. 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 barber salary of $28,592 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a barber in Fort Smith? ▼
Most barber positions in Fort Smith require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Haircutting, Shaving, Client Consultation, Sanitation. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.