Public Service Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Firefighter Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median firefighter salary in Fort Smith, AR is $41,344 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$41,344
vs State Avg
$-2,067
vs National
$-10,336
Cost of Living
80%

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

Fort Smith offers a median firefighter salary of $41,344, which is $2,067 below the Arkansas state average of $43,411. Compared to the national median of $51,680, 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 $41,344 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Fort Smith spans from $23,680 at the 10th percentile to $74,240 at the 90th percentile — a $50,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,600, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $65,600. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Firefighter Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level firefighter earns around $25,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,600
$-6,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,600
$-10,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,600
$-16,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $23,680
25th Percentile $30,880
Median (50th) $41,344
75th Percentile $56,960
90th Percentile $74,240

Firefighter Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$45,478
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$44,962
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$43,411
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$42,378
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Firefighter in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open firefighter positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Firefighter make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $41,344 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $23,680 (10th percentile) to $74,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,344, a firefighter in Fort Smith earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median firefighter salary of $41,344 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $43,411. 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 firefighter salary of $41,344 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Fort Smith? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Fort Smith require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.