Healthcare Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Fort Smith, AR is $69,646 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 4.9% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$69,646
vs State Avg
$-3,572
vs National
$-19,644
Cost of Living
80%

Speech-Language Pathologist Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $69,646, which is $3,572 below the Arkansas state average of $73,218. Compared to the national median of $89,290, 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 $69,646 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $87,058 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for speech-language pathologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Fort Smith spans from $46,956 at the 10th percentile to $99,840 at the 90th percentile — a $52,884 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,360, while senior speech-language pathologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,600. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $48,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,360
$-13,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,200
$-19,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,600
$-26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $46,956
25th Percentile $56,940
Median (50th) $69,646
75th Percentile $84,240
90th Percentile $99,840

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$76,789
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$75,897
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$73,218
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$71,432
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Fort Smith

Education

Most speech-language pathologist positions require a master's degree. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Speech AssessmentLanguage TherapySwallowing TherapyAAC DevicesDocumentationPatient Education

Job Outlook

Nationally, speech-language pathologist employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Speech-Language Pathologist Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open speech-language pathologist positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median speech-language pathologist salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $69,646 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $46,956 (10th percentile) to $99,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,646, a speech-language pathologist in Fort Smith earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for speech-language pathologist pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median speech-language pathologist salary of $69,646 is 4.9% below the Arkansas state average of $73,218. 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 speech-language pathologist salary of $69,646 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a speech-language pathologist in Fort Smith? ▼
Most speech-language pathologist positions in Fort Smith require a master's degree. Key skills include Speech Assessment, Language Therapy, Swallowing Therapy, AAC Devices. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.