Business & Finance Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Loan Officer Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median loan officer salary in Fort Smith, AR is $52,592 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$52,592
vs State Avg
$-2,630
vs National
$-13,148
Cost of Living
80%

Loan Officer Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median loan officer salary of $52,592, which is $2,630 below the Arkansas state average of $55,222. Compared to the national median of $65,740, 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 $52,592 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for loan officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for loan officers in Fort Smith spans from $28,160 at the 10th percentile to $123,040 at the 90th percentile — a $94,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,400, while senior loan officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $104,000. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Loan Officer Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level loan officer earns around $30,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,000 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)
$52,800
$-13,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,000
$-26,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $28,160
25th Percentile $36,320
Median (50th) $52,592
75th Percentile $80,000
90th Percentile $123,040

Loan Officer Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$57,851
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$57,194
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$55,222
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$53,907
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Loan Officer in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Credit AnalysisMortgage LendingCustomer ServiceRegulatory ComplianceSalesFinancial Software

Job Outlook

Nationally, loan officer 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.

Find Loan Officer Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open loan officer positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Loan Officer Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Loan Officer make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median loan officer salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $52,592 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $65,740. Salaries range from $28,160 (10th percentile) to $123,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Loan Officer make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,592, a loan officer in Fort Smith earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for loan officer pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median loan officer salary of $52,592 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $55,222. 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 loan officer salary of $52,592 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a loan officer in Fort Smith? ▼
Most loan officer positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Credit Analysis, Mortgage Lending, Customer Service, Regulatory Compliance. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.