Physical Therapist Salary in Fort Smith, AR: $76,222 (2026)

Physical Therapist Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median physical therapist salary of $76,222, which is $3,908 below the Arkansas state average of $80,130. Compared to the national median of $97,720, 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 $76,222 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $95,278 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for physical therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physical therapists in Fort Smith spans from $52,104 at the 10th percentile to $101,556 at the 90th percentile — a $49,452 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,040, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $99,840. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physical Therapist Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $53,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$53,040

$-14,960 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$76,440

$-21,560 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$99,840

$-28,160 vs national

Percentile	Fort Smith	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$52,104	$54,776	$66,800
25th Percentile	$62,556	$65,764	$80,200
Median (50th)	$76,222	$80,130	$97,720
75th Percentile	$90,792	$95,448	$116,400
90th Percentile	$101,556	$106,764	$130,200

Percentile

Fort Smith

10th Percentile

$52,104

25th Percentile

$62,556

Median (50th)

$76,222

75th Percentile

$90,792

90th Percentile

$101,556

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼

The median physical therapist salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $76,222 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $52,104 (10th percentile) to $101,556 (90th percentile).

How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $76,222, a physical therapist in Fort Smith earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for physical therapist pay? ▼

Fort Smith's median physical therapist salary of $76,222 is 4.9% below the Arkansas state average of $80,130. 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 physical therapist salary of $76,222 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Fort Smith? ▼

Most physical therapist positions in Fort Smith require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.

Physical Therapist Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas