Instructional Designer Salary in Fort Smith, AR: $57,600 (2026)

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

Fort Smith offers a median instructional designer salary of $57,600, which is $2,880 below the Arkansas state average of $60,480. Compared to the national median of $72,000, 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 $57,600 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $72,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for instructional designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for instructional designers in Fort Smith spans from $35,200 at the 10th percentile to $94,400 at the 90th percentile — a $59,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,800, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $89,600. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Instructional Designer Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,800

$-9,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$59,200

$-14,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$89,600

$-22,400 vs national

Percentile	Fort Smith	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$35,200	$36,960	$44,000
25th Percentile	$44,800	$47,040	$56,000
Median (50th)	$57,600	$60,480	$72,000
75th Percentile	$76,000	$79,800	$95,000
90th Percentile	$94,400	$99,120	$118,000

Percentile

Fort Smith

10th Percentile

$35,200

25th Percentile

$44,800

Median (50th)

$57,600

75th Percentile

$76,000

90th Percentile

$94,400

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Instructional DesignArticulate/CaptivateLMSADDIE ModelE-LearningAssessment Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, instructional designer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼

The median instructional designer salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $57,600 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $94,400 (90th percentile).

How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $57,600, a instructional designer in Fort Smith earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for instructional designer pay? ▼

Fort Smith's median instructional designer salary of $57,600 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $60,480. 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 instructional designer salary of $57,600 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a instructional designer in Fort Smith? ▼

Most instructional designer positions in Fort Smith require a master's degree. Key skills include Instructional Design, Articulate/Captivate, LMS, ADDIE Model. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

Instructional Designer Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas