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

Ironworker Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median ironworker salary in Fort Smith, AR is $46,000 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$46,000
vs State Avg
$-2,300
vs National
$-11,500
Cost of Living
80%

Ironworker Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median ironworker salary of $46,000, which is $2,300 below the Arkansas state average of $48,300. Compared to the national median of $57,500, 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 $46,000 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for ironworkers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for ironworkers in Fort Smith spans from $28,800 at the 10th percentile to $73,600 at the 90th percentile — a $44,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,400, while senior ironworkers 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.

Ironworker Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level ironworker 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 $28,800
25th Percentile $35,200
Median (50th) $46,000
75th Percentile $60,000
90th Percentile $73,600

Ironworker Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$50,600
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$50,025
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$48,300
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$47,150
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Ironworker in Fort Smith

Education

Most ironworker positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Structural SteelWeldingBlueprint ReadingRiggingSafety/Fall ProtectionPhysical Stamina

Job Outlook

Nationally, ironworker 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 Ironworker Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open ironworker positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Ironworker Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Ironworker make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median ironworker salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $46,000 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $57,500. Salaries range from $28,800 (10th percentile) to $73,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Ironworker make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,000, a ironworker 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 ironworker pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median ironworker salary of $46,000 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $48,300. 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 ironworker salary of $46,000 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a ironworker in Fort Smith? ▼
Most ironworker positions in Fort Smith require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Structural Steel, Welding, Blueprint Reading, Rigging. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.