Business Analyst Salary in Fort Smith, AR: $68,820 (2026)

Business Analyst Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median business analyst salary of $68,820, which is $3,720 below the Arkansas state average of $72,540. Compared to the national median of $93,000, 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 $68,820 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $86,025 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for business analysts seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for business analysts in Fort Smith spans from $41,440 at the 10th percentile to $109,520 at the 90th percentile — a $68,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,400, while senior business analysts with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,600. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Business Analyst Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level business analyst earns around $44,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$44,400

$-15,600 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$70,300

$-24,700 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$103,600

$-36,400 vs national

Percentile	Fort Smith	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$41,440	$43,680	$56,000
25th Percentile	$54,020	$56,940	$73,000
Median (50th)	$68,820	$72,540	$93,000
75th Percentile	$88,800	$93,600	$120,000
90th Percentile	$109,520	$115,440	$148,000

Percentile

Fort Smith

10th Percentile

$41,440

25th Percentile

$54,020

Median (50th)

$68,820

75th Percentile

$88,800

90th Percentile

$109,520

How to Become a Business Analyst in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Requirements GatheringSQLJIRAProcess MappingAgileCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, business analyst employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Business Analyst Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Business Analyst make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼

The median business analyst salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $68,820 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $93,000. Salaries range from $41,440 (10th percentile) to $109,520 (90th percentile).

How much does a Business Analyst make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $68,820, a business analyst in Fort Smith earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for business analyst pay? ▼

Fort Smith's median business analyst salary of $68,820 is 5.1% below the Arkansas state average of $72,540. 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 business analyst salary of $68,820 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a business analyst in Fort Smith? ▼

Most business analyst positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Requirements Gathering, SQL, JIRA, Process Mapping. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.

Business Analyst Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas