Healthcare Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median substance abuse counselor salary in Fort Smith, AR is $38,774 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 4.9% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$38,774
vs State Avg
$-1,988
vs National
$-10,936
Cost of Living
80%

Substance Abuse Counselor Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $38,774, which is $1,988 below the Arkansas state average of $40,762. Compared to the national median of $49,710, 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 $38,774 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $48,468 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for substance abuse counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Fort Smith spans from $23,400 at the 10th percentile to $63,960 at the 90th percentile — a $40,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,740, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $60,840. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $25,740, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,740
$-7,260 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,780
$-11,220 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,840
$-17,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $23,400
25th Percentile $29,640
Median (50th) $38,774
75th Percentile $50,700
90th Percentile $63,960

Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$42,751
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$42,254
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$40,762
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$39,768
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Addiction CounselingCBT/MIGroup TherapyCrisis InterventionDocumentationEmpathy

Job Outlook

Nationally, substance abuse counselor employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $38,774 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $49,710. Salaries range from $23,400 (10th percentile) to $63,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,774, a substance abuse counselor in Fort Smith earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for substance abuse counselor pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median substance abuse counselor salary of $38,774 is 4.9% below the Arkansas state average of $40,762. 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 substance abuse counselor salary of $38,774 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a substance abuse counselor in Fort Smith? ▼
Most substance abuse counselor positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Addiction Counseling, CBT/MI, Group Therapy, Crisis Intervention. The job market is projected to grow 22% nationally over the next decade.