Science & Research Fort Smith, AR
Pop. 89,142
Physicist Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas
The median physicist salary in Fort Smith, AR is $121,944 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.
City Median
$121,944
vs State Avg
$-6,097
vs National
$-30,486
Cost of Living
80%
Physicist Salary in Fort Smith by Experience
In Fort Smith, an entry-level physicist earns around $65,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $176,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,600
$-16,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,000
$-31,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$176,000
$-44,000 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR
| Percentile | Fort Smith |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $62,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,400 |
| Median (50th) | $121,944 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $190,400 |
Physicist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Fort Smith
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment
Job Outlook
Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.