Healthcare Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median respiratory therapist salary in Fort Smith, AR is $55,021 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 4.9% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$55,021
vs State Avg
$-2,822
vs National
$-15,519
Cost of Living
80%

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $55,021, which is $2,822 below the Arkansas state average of $57,843. Compared to the national median of $70,540, 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 $55,021 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,776 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Fort Smith spans from $37,440 at the 10th percentile to $77,220 at the 90th percentile — a $39,780 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,100. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $39,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,000
$-11,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,160
$-15,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,100
$-20,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $37,440
25th Percentile $44,460
Median (50th) $55,021
75th Percentile $67,080
90th Percentile $77,220

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$60,664
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$59,959
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$57,843
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$56,432
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Fort Smith

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $55,021 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $37,440 (10th percentile) to $77,220 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,021, a respiratory therapist in Fort Smith earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median respiratory therapist salary of $55,021 is 4.9% below the Arkansas state average of $57,843. 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 respiratory therapist salary of $55,021 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Fort Smith? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Fort Smith require a associate's degree. Key skills include Ventilator Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, ABG Analysis, Oxygen Therapy. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.