Business & Finance Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Fundraiser Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median fundraiser salary in Fort Smith, AR is $51,328 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$51,328
vs State Avg
$-2,566
vs National
$-12,832
Cost of Living
80%

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

Fort Smith offers a median fundraiser salary of $51,328, which is $2,566 below the Arkansas state average of $53,894. Compared to the national median of $64,160, 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 $51,328 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $64,160 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for fundraisers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for fundraisers in Fort Smith spans from $28,800 at the 10th percentile to $92,000 at the 90th percentile — a $63,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,400, while senior fundraisers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,400. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Fundraiser Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level fundraiser earns around $30,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,400
$-7,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,800
$-13,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,400
$-21,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $28,800
25th Percentile $36,800
Median (50th) $51,328
75th Percentile $70,400
90th Percentile $92,000

Fundraiser Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$56,461
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$55,819
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$53,894
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$52,611
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Fundraiser in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

FundraisingGrant WritingEvent PlanningDonor RelationsCRMCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, fundraiser employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Fundraiser Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open fundraiser positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Fundraiser Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Fundraiser make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median fundraiser salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $51,328 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $64,160. Salaries range from $28,800 (10th percentile) to $92,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fundraiser make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,328, a fundraiser 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 fundraiser pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median fundraiser salary of $51,328 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $53,894. 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 fundraiser salary of $51,328 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a fundraiser in Fort Smith? ▼
Most fundraiser positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Fundraising, Grant Writing, Event Planning, Donor Relations. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.