Public Service Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Probation Officer Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median probation officer salary in Fort Smith, AR is $48,200 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$48,200
vs State Avg
$-2,410
vs National
$-12,050
Cost of Living
80%

Probation Officer Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median probation officer salary of $48,200, which is $2,410 below the Arkansas state average of $50,610. Compared to the national median of $60,250, 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 $48,200 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,250 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for probation officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for probation officers in Fort Smith spans from $30,400 at the 10th percentile to $73,600 at the 90th percentile — a $43,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,000, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,400. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Probation Officer Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level probation officer earns around $32,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,000
$-8,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,600
$-12,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,400
$-17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $30,400
25th Percentile $38,400
Median (50th) $48,200
75th Percentile $60,800
90th Percentile $73,600

Probation Officer Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$53,020
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$52,418
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$50,610
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$49,405
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Probation Officer in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementRisk AssessmentReport WritingCommunicationCrisis InterventionLegal Knowledge

Job Outlook

Nationally, probation officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Probation Officer Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open probation officer positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Probation Officer make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $48,200 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $30,400 (10th percentile) to $73,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,200, a probation officer 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 probation officer pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median probation officer salary of $48,200 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $50,610. 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 probation officer salary of $48,200 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Fort Smith? ▼
Most probation officer positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Risk Assessment, Report Writing, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.