Healthcare Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Optometrist Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median optometrist salary in Fort Smith, AR is $97,960 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 4.9% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$97,960
vs State Avg
$-5,024
vs National
$-27,630
Cost of Living
80%

Optometrist Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median optometrist salary of $97,960, which is $5,024 below the Arkansas state average of $102,984. Compared to the national median of $125,590, 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 $97,960 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $122,450 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Fort Smith spans from $60,840 at the 10th percentile to $149,760 at the 90th percentile — a $88,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,960, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $138,840. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level optometrist earns around $63,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $138,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,960
$-18,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,840
$-28,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$138,840
$-39,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $60,840
25th Percentile $78,000
Median (50th) $97,960
75th Percentile $123,240
90th Percentile $149,760

Optometrist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$108,007
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$106,752
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$102,984
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$100,472
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Optometrist in Fort Smith

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open optometrist positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Optometrist make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $97,960 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $60,840 (10th percentile) to $149,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,960, a optometrist in Fort Smith earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median optometrist salary of $97,960 is 4.9% below the Arkansas state average of $102,984. 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 optometrist salary of $97,960 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Fort Smith? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Fort Smith require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.