Operations Manager Salary in Fort Smith, AR: $82,920 (2026)

Operations Manager Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median operations manager salary of $82,920, which is $4,146 below the Arkansas state average of $87,066. Compared to the national median of $103,650, 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 $82,920 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $103,650 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for operations managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for operations managers in Fort Smith spans from $46,400 at the 10th percentile to $148,000 at the 90th percentile — a $101,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,600, while senior operations managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,000. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Operations Manager Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level operations manager earns around $49,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$49,600

$-12,400 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$84,800

$-21,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$140,000

$-35,000 vs national

Percentile	Fort Smith	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$46,400	$48,720	$58,000
25th Percentile	$60,800	$63,840	$76,000
Median (50th)	$82,920	$87,066	$103,650
75th Percentile	$112,000	$117,600	$140,000
90th Percentile	$148,000	$155,400	$185,000

Percentile

Fort Smith

10th Percentile

$46,400

25th Percentile

$60,800

Median (50th)

$82,920

75th Percentile

$112,000

90th Percentile

$148,000

How to Become a Operations Manager in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Operations ManagementProcess ImprovementBudgetingLeadershipSix SigmaData Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, operations manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Operations Manager Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Operations Manager make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼

The median operations manager salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $82,920 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $103,650. Salaries range from $46,400 (10th percentile) to $148,000 (90th percentile).

How much does a Operations Manager make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $82,920, a operations manager in Fort Smith earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for operations manager pay? ▼

Fort Smith's median operations manager salary of $82,920 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $87,066. 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 operations manager salary of $82,920 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a operations manager in Fort Smith? ▼

Most operations manager positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Operations Management, Process Improvement, Budgeting, Leadership. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Operations Manager Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas