Technology Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Systems Administrator Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median systems administrator salary in Fort Smith, AR is $62,759 per year, which is 26% below the national median and 5.1% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$62,759
vs State Avg
$-3,393
vs National
$-22,051
Cost of Living
80%

Systems Administrator Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median systems administrator salary of $62,759, which is $3,393 below the Arkansas state average of $66,152. Compared to the national median of $84,810, 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 $62,759 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,449 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for systems administrators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for systems administrators in Fort Smith spans from $38,480 at the 10th percentile to $97,680 at the 90th percentile — a $59,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,700, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,500. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Systems Administrator Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $40,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,700
$-14,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,640
$-22,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,500
$-32,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $38,480
25th Percentile $49,580
Median (50th) $62,759
75th Percentile $79,920
90th Percentile $97,680

Systems Administrator Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$69,544
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$68,696
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$66,152
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$64,456
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

LinuxWindows ServerActive DirectoryNetworkingVirtualizationScripting

Job Outlook

Nationally, systems administrator employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open systems administrator positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $62,759 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $38,480 (10th percentile) to $97,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,759, a systems administrator in Fort Smith earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median systems administrator salary of $62,759 is 5.1% below the Arkansas state average of $66,152. 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 systems administrator salary of $62,759 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Fort Smith? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Linux, Windows Server, Active Directory, Networking. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.