Public Service Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Correctional Officer Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median correctional officer salary in Fort Smith, AR is $39,688 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$39,688
vs State Avg
$-1,984
vs National
$-9,922
Cost of Living
80%

Correctional Officer Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median correctional officer salary of $39,688, which is $1,984 below the Arkansas state average of $41,672. Compared to the national median of $49,610, 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 $39,688 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,610 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Fort Smith spans from $26,400 at the 10th percentile to $62,400 at the 90th percentile — a $36,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,000, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,600. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Correctional Officer Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $28,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,000
$-10,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $31,200
Median (50th) $39,688
75th Percentile $50,400
90th Percentile $62,400

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$43,657
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$43,161
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$41,672
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$40,680
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

SecurityConflict ResolutionReport WritingPhysical FitnessCommunicationCrisis Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open correctional officer positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $39,688 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $62,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,688, a correctional officer in Fort Smith earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median correctional officer salary of $39,688 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $41,672. 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 correctional officer salary of $39,688 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Fort Smith? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Fort Smith require a high school diploma. Key skills include Security, Conflict Resolution, Report Writing, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow -2% nationally over the next decade.