Healthcare Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Dietitian Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median dietitian salary in Fort Smith, AR is $51,831 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 4.9% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$51,831
vs State Avg
$-2,658
vs National
$-14,619
Cost of Living
80%

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

Fort Smith offers a median dietitian salary of $51,831, which is $2,658 below the Arkansas state average of $54,489. Compared to the national median of $66,450, 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 $51,831 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,789 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for dietitians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dietitians in Fort Smith spans from $32,760 at the 10th percentile to $77,220 at the 90th percentile — a $44,460 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,100, while senior dietitians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,100. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dietitian Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level dietitian earns around $35,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,100
$-9,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,040
$-14,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,100
$-20,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $32,760
25th Percentile $41,340
Median (50th) $51,831
75th Percentile $64,740
90th Percentile $77,220

Dietitian Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$57,147
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$56,483
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$54,489
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$53,160
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Dietitian in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Medical Nutrition TherapyMeal PlanningPatient CounselingFood ScienceClinical NutritionDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, dietitian employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dietitian Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open dietitian positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dietitian Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Dietitian make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median dietitian salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $51,831 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $66,450. Salaries range from $32,760 (10th percentile) to $77,220 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dietitian make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,831, a dietitian in Fort Smith earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for dietitian pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median dietitian salary of $51,831 is 4.9% below the Arkansas state average of $54,489. 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 dietitian salary of $51,831 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dietitian in Fort Smith? ▼
Most dietitian positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Medical Nutrition Therapy, Meal Planning, Patient Counseling, Food Science. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.