Healthcare Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Home Health Aide Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median home health aide salary in Fort Smith, AR is $26,153 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 4.9% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$26,153
vs State Avg
$-1,342
vs National
$-7,377
Cost of Living
80%

Home Health Aide Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median home health aide salary of $26,153, which is $1,342 below the Arkansas state average of $27,495. Compared to the national median of $33,530, 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 $26,153 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $32,691 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for home health aides seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for home health aides in Fort Smith spans from $18,720 at the 10th percentile to $34,320 at the 90th percentile — a $15,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $19,500, while senior home health aides with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $32,760. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Home Health Aide Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level home health aide earns around $19,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $32,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$19,500
$-5,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$26,520
$-7,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$32,760
$-9,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $18,720
25th Percentile $21,840
Median (50th) $26,153
75th Percentile $30,420
90th Percentile $34,320

Home Health Aide Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$28,836
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$28,501
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$27,495
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$26,824
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Home Health Aide in Fort Smith

Education

Most home health aide positions require a high school diploma. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient CareVital SignsCPR/First AidCommunicationCompassionTime Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, home health aide employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Home Health Aide Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open home health aide positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Home Health Aide Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Home Health Aide make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median home health aide salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $26,153 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $33,530. Salaries range from $18,720 (10th percentile) to $34,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Home Health Aide make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $26,153, a home health aide in Fort Smith earns approximately $13 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for home health aide pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median home health aide salary of $26,153 is 4.9% below the Arkansas state average of $27,495. 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 home health aide salary of $26,153 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a home health aide in Fort Smith? ▼
Most home health aide positions in Fort Smith require a high school diploma. Key skills include Patient Care, Vital Signs, CPR/First Aid, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 22% nationally over the next decade.