Project Manager Salary in Fort Smith, AR: $76,296 (2026)

Project Manager Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median project manager salary of $76,296, which is $3,815 below the Arkansas state average of $80,111. Compared to the national median of $95,370, 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 $76,296 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $95,370 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for project managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for project managers in Fort Smith spans from $44,960 at the 10th percentile to $127,280 at the 90th percentile — a $82,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,400, while senior project managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $116,000. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Project Manager Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level project manager earns around $46,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$46,400

$-11,600 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$76,800

$-19,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$116,000

$-29,000 vs national

Percentile	Fort Smith	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$44,960	$47,208	$56,200
25th Percentile	$58,400	$61,320	$73,000
Median (50th)	$76,296	$80,111	$95,370
75th Percentile	$100,800	$105,840	$126,000
90th Percentile	$127,280	$133,644	$159,100

Percentile

Fort Smith

10th Percentile

$44,960

25th Percentile

$58,400

Median (50th)

$76,296

75th Percentile

$100,800

90th Percentile

$127,280

How to Become a Project Manager in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Agile/ScrumRisk ManagementBudgetingStakeholder CommunicationJIRA/AsanaPMP Certification

Job Outlook

Nationally, project manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Project Manager Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Project Manager make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼

The median project manager salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $76,296 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $95,370. Salaries range from $44,960 (10th percentile) to $127,280 (90th percentile).

How much does a Project Manager make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $76,296, a project manager 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 project manager pay? ▼

Fort Smith's median project manager salary of $76,296 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $80,111. 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 project manager salary of $76,296 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a project manager in Fort Smith? ▼

Most project manager positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agile/Scrum, Risk Management, Budgeting, Stakeholder Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Project Manager Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas