Healthcare Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Registered Nurse Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median registered nurse salary in Fort Smith, AR is $63,352 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 4.9% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$63,352
vs State Avg
$-3,248
vs National
$-17,868
Cost of Living
80%

Registered Nurse Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median registered nurse salary of $63,352, which is $3,248 below the Arkansas state average of $66,600. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 $63,352 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,190 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Fort Smith spans from $44,772 at the 10th percentile to $94,224 at the 90th percentile — a $49,452 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,240, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $89,700. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $45,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,240
$-12,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,960
$-18,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,700
$-25,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $44,772
25th Percentile $52,104
Median (50th) $63,352
75th Percentile $78,858
90th Percentile $94,224

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$69,849
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$69,037
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$66,600
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$64,976
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse 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.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open registered nurse positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $63,352 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $44,772 (10th percentile) to $94,224 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,352, a registered nurse in Fort Smith earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median registered nurse salary of $63,352 is 4.9% below the Arkansas state average of $66,600. 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 registered nurse salary of $63,352 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Fort Smith? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.