Trades & Labor Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Plumber Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median plumber salary in Fort Smith, AR is $47,904 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$47,904
vs State Avg
$-2,395
vs National
$-11,976
Cost of Living
80%

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

Fort Smith offers a median plumber salary of $47,904, which is $2,395 below the Arkansas state average of $50,299. Compared to the national median of $59,880, 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 $47,904 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $59,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for plumbers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for plumbers in Fort Smith spans from $29,120 at the 10th percentile to $79,360 at the 90th percentile — a $50,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,200, while senior plumbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,600. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Plumber Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level plumber earns around $27,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,200
$-6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,000
$-12,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,600
$-18,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $29,120
25th Percentile $36,640
Median (50th) $47,904
75th Percentile $62,560
90th Percentile $79,360

Plumber Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$52,694
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$52,096
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$50,299
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$49,102
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Plumber in Fort Smith

Education

Most plumber positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Pipe FittingBlueprint ReadingPlumbing CodeTroubleshootingSoldering/WeldingCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, plumber employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Plumber Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open plumber positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Plumber Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Plumber make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median plumber salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $47,904 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $59,880. Salaries range from $29,120 (10th percentile) to $79,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Plumber make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,904, a plumber in Fort Smith earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for plumber pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median plumber salary of $47,904 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $50,299. 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 plumber salary of $47,904 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a plumber in Fort Smith? ▼
Most plumber positions in Fort Smith require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Pipe Fitting, Blueprint Reading, Plumbing Code, Troubleshooting. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.