Creative & Education Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Graphic Designer Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median graphic designer salary in Fort Smith, AR is $46,392 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$46,392
vs State Avg
$-2,320
vs National
$-11,598
Cost of Living
80%

Graphic Designer Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median graphic designer salary of $46,392, which is $2,320 below the Arkansas state average of $48,712. Compared to the national median of $57,990, 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 $46,392 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for graphic designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for graphic designers in Fort Smith spans from $29,120 at the 10th percentile to $78,560 at the 90th percentile — a $49,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,400, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,400. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Graphic Designer Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $30,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,400 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)
$46,400
$-11,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,400
$-17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $29,120
25th Percentile $36,320
Median (50th) $46,392
75th Percentile $59,680
90th Percentile $78,560

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$51,031
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$50,451
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$48,712
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$47,552
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, graphic designer 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 Graphic Designer Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open graphic designer positions in Fort Smith, AR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $46,392 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $29,120 (10th percentile) to $78,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,392, a graphic designer in Fort Smith earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median graphic designer salary of $46,392 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $48,712. 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 graphic designer salary of $46,392 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Fort Smith? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Color Theory. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.