Agriculture & Environment Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Forester Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median forester salary in Fort Smith, AR is $51,032 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$51,032
vs State Avg
$-2,552
vs National
$-12,758
Cost of Living
80%

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

Fort Smith offers a median forester salary of $51,032, which is $2,552 below the Arkansas state average of $53,584. Compared to the national median of $63,790, 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 $51,032 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for foresters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for foresters in Fort Smith spans from $33,600 at the 10th percentile to $81,600 at the 90th percentile — a $48,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,200, while senior foresters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,000. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Forester Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level forester earns around $35,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,200
$-8,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,000
$-13,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,000
$-19,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $33,600
25th Percentile $40,800
Median (50th) $51,032
75th Percentile $65,600
90th Percentile $81,600

Forester Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$56,135
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$55,497
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$53,584
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$52,308
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Forester in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Forest ManagementGIS/GPSTimber CruisingEcologyFire ManagementEnvironmental Law

Job Outlook

Nationally, forester employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Forester Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open forester positions in Fort Smith, AR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Forester Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Forester make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median forester salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $51,032 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $63,790. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $81,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Forester make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,032, a forester in Fort Smith earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for forester pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median forester salary of $51,032 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $53,584. 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 forester salary of $51,032 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a forester in Fort Smith? ▼
Most forester positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Forest Management, GIS/GPS, Timber Cruising, Ecology. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.