Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Fort Smith, AR: $44,280 (2026)

Sheet Metal Worker Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median sheet metal worker salary of $44,280, which is $2,214 below the Arkansas state average of $46,494. Compared to the national median of $55,350, 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 $44,280 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for sheet metal workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for sheet metal workers in Fort Smith spans from $27,200 at the 10th percentile to $68,800 at the 90th percentile — a $41,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,800, while senior sheet metal workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $65,600. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level sheet metal worker earns around $28,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,800

$-7,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$44,800

$-11,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$65,600

$-16,400 vs national

Percentile	Fort Smith	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$27,200	$28,560	$34,000
25th Percentile	$33,600	$35,280	$42,000
Median (50th)	$44,280	$46,494	$55,350
75th Percentile	$56,000	$58,800	$70,000
90th Percentile	$68,800	$72,240	$86,000

Percentile

Fort Smith

10th Percentile

$27,200

25th Percentile

$33,600

Median (50th)

$44,280

75th Percentile

$56,000

90th Percentile

$68,800

How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Sheet Metal FabricationHVAC DuctworkWeldingBlueprint ReadingMeasurementSafety

Job Outlook

Nationally, sheet metal worker employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼

The median sheet metal worker salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $44,280 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $27,200 (10th percentile) to $68,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Sheet Metal Worker make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $44,280, a sheet metal worker in Fort Smith earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for sheet metal worker pay? ▼

Fort Smith's median sheet metal worker salary of $44,280 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $46,494. 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 sheet metal worker salary of $44,280 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a sheet metal worker in Fort Smith? ▼

Most sheet metal worker positions in Fort Smith require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Sheet Metal Fabrication, HVAC Ductwork, Welding, Blueprint Reading. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.

Sheet Metal Worker Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas