Public Service Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median emt/paramedic salary in Fort Smith, AR is $31,144 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$31,144
vs State Avg
$-1,557
vs National
$-7,786
Cost of Living
80%

EMT/Paramedic Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median emt/paramedic salary of $31,144, which is $1,557 below the Arkansas state average of $32,701. Compared to the national median of $38,930, 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 $31,144 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,930 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for emt/paramedics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for emt/paramedics in Fort Smith spans from $20,800 at the 10th percentile to $49,600 at the 90th percentile — a $28,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,400, while senior emt/paramedics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $46,400. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level emt/paramedic earns around $22,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$32,000
$-8,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$46,400
$-11,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $20,800
25th Percentile $24,800
Median (50th) $31,144
75th Percentile $40,000
90th Percentile $49,600

EMT/Paramedic Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$34,258
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$33,869
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$32,701
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$31,923
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a EMT/Paramedic in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Emergency MedicineCPR/ALSPatient AssessmentTrauma CareCommunicationDriving

Job Outlook

Nationally, emt/paramedic 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 EMT/Paramedic Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open emt/paramedic positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: EMT/Paramedic Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a EMT/Paramedic make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median emt/paramedic salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $31,144 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $38,930. Salaries range from $20,800 (10th percentile) to $49,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a EMT/Paramedic make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,144, a emt/paramedic in Fort Smith earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for emt/paramedic pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median emt/paramedic salary of $31,144 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $32,701. 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 emt/paramedic salary of $31,144 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a emt/paramedic in Fort Smith? ▼
Most emt/paramedic positions in Fort Smith require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Emergency Medicine, CPR/ALS, Patient Assessment, Trauma Care. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.