Maintenance Worker Salary in Fort Smith, AR: $34,560 (2026)

Maintenance Worker Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median maintenance worker salary of $34,560, which is $1,728 below the Arkansas state average of $36,288. Compared to the national median of $43,200, 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 $34,560 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $43,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for maintenance workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for maintenance workers in Fort Smith spans from $22,400 at the 10th percentile to $53,600 at the 90th percentile — a $31,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,000, while senior maintenance workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $50,400. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Maintenance Worker Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level maintenance worker earns around $24,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $50,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$24,000

$-6,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$35,200

$-8,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$50,400

$-12,600 vs national

Percentile	Fort Smith	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$22,400	$23,520	$28,000
25th Percentile	$27,200	$28,560	$34,000
Median (50th)	$34,560	$36,288	$43,200
75th Percentile	$44,000	$46,200	$55,000
90th Percentile	$53,600	$56,280	$67,000

Percentile

Fort Smith

10th Percentile

$22,400

25th Percentile

$27,200

Median (50th)

$34,560

75th Percentile

$44,000

90th Percentile

$53,600

How to Become a Maintenance Worker in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

General RepairPlumbing BasicsElectrical BasicsHVAC BasicsPaintingSafety

Job Outlook

Nationally, maintenance worker employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Maintenance Worker Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Maintenance Worker make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼

The median maintenance worker salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $34,560 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $43,200. Salaries range from $22,400 (10th percentile) to $53,600 (90th percentile).

How much does a Maintenance Worker make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $34,560, a maintenance worker in Fort Smith earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for maintenance worker pay? ▼

Fort Smith's median maintenance worker salary of $34,560 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $36,288. 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 maintenance worker salary of $34,560 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a maintenance worker in Fort Smith? ▼

Most maintenance worker positions in Fort Smith require a high school diploma. Key skills include General Repair, Plumbing Basics, Electrical Basics, HVAC Basics. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Maintenance Worker Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas