Engineering Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median nuclear engineer salary in Fort Smith, AR is $96,304 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$96,304
vs State Avg
$-4,815
vs National
$-24,076
Cost of Living
80%

Nuclear Engineer Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median nuclear engineer salary of $96,304, which is $4,815 below the Arkansas state average of $101,119. Compared to the national median of $120,380, 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 $96,304 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $120,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for nuclear engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for nuclear engineers in Fort Smith spans from $60,800 at the 10th percentile to $142,400 at the 90th percentile — a $81,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,400, while senior nuclear engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $137,600. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level nuclear engineer earns around $62,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,400
$-15,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,600
$-24,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,600
$-34,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $60,800
25th Percentile $76,800
Median (50th) $96,304
75th Percentile $118,400
90th Percentile $142,400

Nuclear Engineer Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$105,934
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$104,731
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$101,119
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$98,712
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Nuclear PhysicsReactor DesignSafety AnalysisRadiation ProtectionMATLABRegulatory Compliance

Job Outlook

Nationally, nuclear engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open nuclear engineer positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nuclear Engineer Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Nuclear Engineer make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median nuclear engineer salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $96,304 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $120,380. Salaries range from $60,800 (10th percentile) to $142,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nuclear Engineer make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,304, a nuclear engineer in Fort Smith earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for nuclear engineer pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median nuclear engineer salary of $96,304 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $101,119. 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 nuclear engineer salary of $96,304 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer in Fort Smith? ▼
Most nuclear engineer positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Nuclear Physics, Reactor Design, Safety Analysis, Radiation Protection. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.