Healthcare Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Genetic Counselor Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median genetic counselor salary in Fort Smith, AR is $70,192 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 4.9% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$70,192
vs State Avg
$-3,600
vs National
$-19,798
Cost of Living
80%

Genetic Counselor Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median genetic counselor salary of $70,192, which is $3,600 below the Arkansas state average of $73,792. Compared to the national median of $89,990, 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 $70,192 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $87,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for genetic counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for genetic counselors in Fort Smith spans from $46,800 at the 10th percentile to $101,400 at the 90th percentile — a $54,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,360, while senior genetic counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $97,500. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Genetic Counselor Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level genetic counselor earns around $48,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,360
$-13,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,980
$-20,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,500
$-27,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $46,800
25th Percentile $57,720
Median (50th) $70,192
75th Percentile $84,240
90th Percentile $101,400

Genetic Counselor Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$77,391
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$76,492
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$73,792
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$71,992
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Genetic Counselor in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

GeneticsPatient CounselingPedigree AnalysisGenetic TestingCommunicationEthics

Job Outlook

Nationally, genetic counselor employment is projected to grow 26% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Genetic Counselor Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open genetic counselor positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Counselor Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Genetic Counselor make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median genetic counselor salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $70,192 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $89,990. Salaries range from $46,800 (10th percentile) to $101,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Genetic Counselor make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,192, a genetic counselor in Fort Smith earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for genetic counselor pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median genetic counselor salary of $70,192 is 4.9% below the Arkansas state average of $73,792. 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 genetic counselor salary of $70,192 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a genetic counselor in Fort Smith? ▼
Most genetic counselor positions in Fort Smith require a master's degree. Key skills include Genetics, Patient Counseling, Pedigree Analysis, Genetic Testing. The job market is projected to grow 26% nationally over the next decade.