Automotive & Maintenance Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median diesel mechanic salary in Fort Smith, AR is $44,320 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$44,320
vs State Avg
$-2,216
vs National
$-11,080
Cost of Living
80%

Diesel Mechanic Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $44,320, which is $2,216 below the Arkansas state average of $46,536. Compared to the national median of $55,400, 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 $44,320 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,400 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for diesel mechanics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for diesel mechanics in Fort Smith spans from $28,000 at the 10th percentile to $65,600 at the 90th percentile — a $37,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,600, while senior diesel mechanics 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.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level diesel mechanic earns around $29,600, 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)
$29,600
$-7,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,400
$-15,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $28,000
25th Percentile $34,400
Median (50th) $44,320
75th Percentile $55,200
90th Percentile $65,600

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$48,752
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$48,198
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$46,536
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$45,428
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Diesel EnginesHydraulic SystemsElectrical DiagnosticsPreventive MaintenanceCDL KnowledgeWelding

Job Outlook

Nationally, diesel mechanic 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 Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open diesel mechanic positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median diesel mechanic salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $44,320 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $55,400. Salaries range from $28,000 (10th percentile) to $65,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Diesel Mechanic make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,320, a diesel mechanic in Fort Smith earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median diesel mechanic salary of $44,320 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $46,536. 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 diesel mechanic salary of $44,320 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Fort Smith? ▼
Most diesel mechanic positions in Fort Smith require a high school diploma. Key skills include Diesel Engines, Hydraulic Systems, Electrical Diagnostics, Preventive Maintenance. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.