Business & Finance Fort Smith, AR
Pop. 89,142
Economist Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas
The median economist salary in Fort Smith, AR is $91,152 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.
City Median
$91,152
vs State Avg
$-4,558
vs National
$-22,788
Cost of Living
80%
Economist Salary in Fort Smith by Experience
In Fort Smith, an entry-level economist earns around $52,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,000
$-13,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,000
$-23,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$148,000
$-37,000 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR
| Percentile | Fort Smith |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $49,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,600 |
| Median (50th) | $91,152 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $158,400 |
Economist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities
How to Become a Economist in Fort Smith
Education
Most economist positions require a master's degree. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis
Job Outlook
Nationally, economist 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.