Trades & Labor Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Fort Smith, AR is $42,032 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$42,032
vs State Avg
$-2,102
vs National
$-10,508
Cost of Living
80%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $28,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,800
$-7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,200
$-10,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,000
$-16,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $27,200
25th Percentile $32,800
Median (50th) $42,032
75th Percentile $54,400
90th Percentile $67,200

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$46,235
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$45,710
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$44,134
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$43,083
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Fort Smith

Education

Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook

Nationally, heavy equipment operator 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 Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $42,032 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $27,200 (10th percentile) to $67,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,032, a heavy equipment operator 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 heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median heavy equipment operator salary of $42,032 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $44,134. 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 heavy equipment operator salary of $42,032 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a heavy equipment operator in Fort Smith? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Fort Smith require a high school diploma. Key skills include Equipment Operation, GPS/Grade Control, Safety Procedures, Mechanical Knowledge. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.