Healthcare Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median nurse practitioner salary in Fort Smith, AR is $94,856 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 4.9% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$94,856
vs State Avg
$-4,864
vs National
$-26,754
Cost of Living
80%

Nurse Practitioner Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median nurse practitioner salary of $94,856, which is $4,864 below the Arkansas state average of $99,720. Compared to the national median of $121,610, 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 $94,856 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $118,570 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for nurse practitioners seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for nurse practitioners in Fort Smith spans from $67,938 at the 10th percentile to $131,196 at the 90th percentile — a $63,258 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,200, while senior nurse practitioners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,900. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level nurse practitioner earns around $70,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,200
$-19,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,160
$-26,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,900
$-34,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $67,938
25th Percentile $81,276
Median (50th) $94,856
75th Percentile $111,930
90th Percentile $131,196

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Fort Smith

Education

Most nurse practitioner positions require a master's degree. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Advanced AssessmentPharmacologyDiagnosisPatient EducationEMR SystemsClinical Decision-Making

Job Outlook

Nationally, nurse practitioner employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Nurse Practitioner Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open nurse practitioner positions in Fort Smith, AR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Nurse Practitioner Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Nurse Practitioner make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median nurse practitioner salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $94,856 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $121,610. Salaries range from $67,938 (10th percentile) to $131,196 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nurse Practitioner make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,856, a nurse practitioner 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 nurse practitioner pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median nurse practitioner salary of $94,856 is 4.9% below the Arkansas state average of $99,720. 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 nurse practitioner salary of $94,856 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nurse practitioner in Fort Smith? ▼
Most nurse practitioner positions in Fort Smith require a master's degree. Key skills include Advanced Assessment, Pharmacology, Diagnosis, Patient Education. The job market is projected to grow 40% nationally over the next decade.