Trades & Labor Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Truck Driver Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median truck driver salary in Fort Smith, AR is $39,936 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$39,936
vs State Avg
$-1,997
vs National
$-9,984
Cost of Living
80%

Truck Driver Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median truck driver salary of $39,936, which is $1,997 below the Arkansas state average of $41,933. Compared to the national median of $49,920, 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 $39,936 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,920 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for truck drivers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for truck drivers in Fort Smith spans from $26,560 at the 10th percentile to $62,400 at the 90th percentile — a $35,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,000, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,600. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Truck Driver Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level truck driver earns around $28,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,000
$-10,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $26,560
25th Percentile $32,160
Median (50th) $39,936
75th Percentile $51,040
90th Percentile $62,400

Truck Driver Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$43,930
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$43,430
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$41,933
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$40,934
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Truck Driver in Fort Smith

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open truck driver positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Truck Driver make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $39,936 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $26,560 (10th percentile) to $62,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,936, a truck driver 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 truck driver pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median truck driver salary of $39,936 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $41,933. 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 truck driver salary of $39,936 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Fort Smith? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Fort Smith require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include CDL License, Route Planning, Vehicle Inspection, DOT Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.