Science & Research Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Chemist Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median chemist salary in Fort Smith, AR is $66,232 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$66,232
vs State Avg
$-3,312
vs National
$-16,558
Cost of Living
80%

Chemist Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level chemist earns around $40,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,000
$-10,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
$-16,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,000
$-27,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $38,400
25th Percentile $49,600
Median (50th) $66,232
75th Percentile $87,200
90th Percentile $113,600

Chemist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$72,855
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$72,027
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$69,544
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$67,888
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Chemist in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.