Trades & Labor Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Carpenter Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median carpenter salary in Fort Smith, AR is $41,112 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$41,112
vs State Avg
$-2,056
vs National
$-10,278
Cost of Living
80%

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

Fort Smith offers a median carpenter salary of $41,112, which is $2,056 below the Arkansas state average of $43,168. Compared to the national median of $51,390, 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 $41,112 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,390 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for carpenters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for carpenters in Fort Smith spans from $27,520 at the 10th percentile to $65,760 at the 90th percentile — a $38,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,600, while senior carpenters 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.

Carpenter Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level carpenter earns around $25,600, 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)
$25,600
$-6,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,600
$-10,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,400
$-15,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $27,520
25th Percentile $33,120
Median (50th) $41,112
75th Percentile $52,000
90th Percentile $65,760

Carpenter Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$45,223
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$44,709
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$43,168
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$42,140
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Carpenter in Fort Smith

Education

Most carpenter positions require a high school diploma. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FramingBlueprint ReadingPower ToolsMeasurementBuilding CodeFinish Carpentry

Job Outlook

Nationally, carpenter employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Carpenter Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open carpenter positions in Fort Smith, AR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Carpenter make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $41,112 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $27,520 (10th percentile) to $65,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,112, a carpenter in Fort Smith earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for carpenter pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median carpenter salary of $41,112 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $43,168. 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 carpenter salary of $41,112 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in Fort Smith? ▼
Most carpenter positions in Fort Smith require a high school diploma. Key skills include Framing, Blueprint Reading, Power Tools, Measurement. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.