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 Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median chemist salary of $66,232, which is $3,312 below the Arkansas state average of $69,544. Compared to the national median of $82,790, 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 $66,232 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Fort Smith spans from $38,400 at the 10th percentile to $113,600 at the 90th percentile — a $75,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,000. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

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.

Find Chemist Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open chemist positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Chemist make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median chemist salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $66,232 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $38,400 (10th percentile) to $113,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,232, a chemist in Fort Smith earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for chemist pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median chemist salary of $66,232 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $69,544. 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 chemist salary of $66,232 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Fort Smith? ▼
Most chemist positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.