Legal Fort Smith, AR
Pop. 89,142
Judge Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas
The median judge salary in Fort Smith, AR is $118,424 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.
City Median
$118,424
vs State Avg
$-5,921
vs National
$-29,606
Cost of Living
80%
Judge Salary in Fort Smith by Experience
In Fort Smith, an entry-level judge earns around $52,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,000
$-13,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$120,000
$-30,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,000
$-43,000 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR
| Percentile | Fort Smith |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,000 |
| Median (50th) | $118,424 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $184,000 |
Judge Salary in Other Arkansas Cities
How to Become a Judge in Fort Smith
Education
Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management
Job Outlook
Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.