Personal Care & Fitness Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Cosmetologist Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median cosmetologist salary in Fort Smith, AR is $28,064 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$28,064
vs State Avg
$-1,403
vs National
$-7,016
Cost of Living
80%

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

Fort Smith offers a median cosmetologist salary of $28,064, which is $1,403 below the Arkansas state average of $29,467. Compared to the national median of $35,080, 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 $28,064 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Fort Smith spans from $17,600 at the 10th percentile to $46,400 at the 90th percentile — a $28,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $19,200, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $44,000. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $19,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $44,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$19,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$28,800
$-7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$44,000
$-11,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $17,600
25th Percentile $21,600
Median (50th) $28,064
75th Percentile $36,800
90th Percentile $46,400

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$30,870
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$30,520
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$29,467
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$28,766
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Fort Smith

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $28,064 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $17,600 (10th percentile) to $46,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $28,064, a cosmetologist in Fort Smith earns approximately $13 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median cosmetologist salary of $28,064 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $29,467. 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 cosmetologist salary of $28,064 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Fort Smith? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Fort Smith require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.