Creative & Education Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Social Worker Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median social worker salary in Fort Smith, AR is $44,280 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$44,280
vs State Avg
$-2,214
vs National
$-11,070
Cost of Living
80%

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

Fort Smith offers a median social 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 social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Fort Smith spans from $29,120 at the 10th percentile to $70,240 at the 90th percentile — a $41,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,400, while senior social 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.

Social Worker Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level social worker earns around $30,400, 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)
$30,400
$-7,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,600
$-16,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $29,120
25th Percentile $35,360
Median (50th) $44,280
75th Percentile $56,320
90th Percentile $70,240

Social Worker Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$48,708
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$48,155
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$46,494
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$45,387
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Social Worker in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open social worker positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Social Worker make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median social worker salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $44,280 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $29,120 (10th percentile) to $70,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,280, a social 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 social worker pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median social 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 social 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 social worker in Fort Smith? ▼
Most social worker positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.