Public Service Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Dispatcher Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median dispatcher salary in Fort Smith, AR is $37,424 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$37,424
vs State Avg
$-1,871
vs National
$-9,356
Cost of Living
80%

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

Fort Smith offers a median dispatcher salary of $37,424, which is $1,871 below the Arkansas state average of $39,295. Compared to the national median of $46,780, 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 $37,424 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $46,780 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for dispatchers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dispatchers in Fort Smith spans from $24,800 at the 10th percentile to $56,000 at the 90th percentile — a $31,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,400, while senior dispatchers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $52,800. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dispatcher Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level dispatcher earns around $26,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,400
$-6,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,800
$-13,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $24,800
25th Percentile $29,600
Median (50th) $37,424
75th Percentile $46,400
90th Percentile $56,000

Dispatcher Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$41,166
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$40,699
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$39,295
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$38,360
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Dispatcher in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Radio CommunicationCAD SystemsMulti-taskingStress ManagementGeographyTyping

Job Outlook

Nationally, dispatcher employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dispatcher Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open dispatcher positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dispatcher Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Dispatcher make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median dispatcher salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $37,424 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $46,780. Salaries range from $24,800 (10th percentile) to $56,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dispatcher make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,424, a dispatcher in Fort Smith earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for dispatcher pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median dispatcher salary of $37,424 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $39,295. 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 dispatcher salary of $37,424 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dispatcher in Fort Smith? ▼
Most dispatcher positions in Fort Smith require a high school diploma. Key skills include Radio Communication, CAD Systems, Multi-tasking, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.