Media & Communications Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Journalist Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median journalist salary in Fort Smith, AR is $44,768 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$44,768
vs State Avg
$-2,238
vs National
$-11,192
Cost of Living
80%

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

Fort Smith offers a median journalist salary of $44,768, which is $2,238 below the Arkansas state average of $47,006. Compared to the national median of $55,960, 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 $44,768 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Fort Smith spans from $25,600 at the 10th percentile to $88,000 at the 90th percentile — a $62,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,000, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,000. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

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

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,400
$-11,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,000
$-20,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $25,600
25th Percentile $32,000
Median (50th) $44,768
75th Percentile $62,400
90th Percentile $88,000

Journalist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$49,245
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$48,685
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$47,006
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$45,887
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Journalist in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Journalist Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open journalist positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Journalist make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median journalist salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $44,768 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $25,600 (10th percentile) to $88,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,768, a journalist 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 journalist pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median journalist salary of $44,768 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $47,006. 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 journalist salary of $44,768 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Fort Smith? ▼
Most journalist positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Writing, Investigative Research, Interviewing, AP Style. The job market is projected to grow -3% nationally over the next decade.