Science & Research Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Environmental Scientist Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median environmental scientist salary in Fort Smith, AR is $61,224 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$61,224
vs State Avg
$-3,061
vs National
$-15,306
Cost of Living
80%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median environmental scientist salary of $61,224, which is $3,061 below the Arkansas state average of $64,285. Compared to the national median of $76,530, 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 $61,224 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Fort Smith spans from $38,400 at the 10th percentile to $100,800 at the 90th percentile — a $62,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,000. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $40,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,000
$-10,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,400
$-15,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,000
$-24,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $38,400
25th Percentile $47,200
Median (50th) $61,224
75th Percentile $79,200
90th Percentile $100,800

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$67,346
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$66,581
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$64,285
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$62,755
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental scientist 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 Environmental Scientist Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $61,224 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $38,400 (10th percentile) to $100,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,224, a environmental scientist in Fort Smith earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median environmental scientist salary of $61,224 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $64,285. 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 environmental scientist salary of $61,224 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Fort Smith? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.