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 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
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.