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

Welder Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median welder salary in Fort Smith, AR is $37,608 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$37,608
vs State Avg
$-1,880
vs National
$-9,402
Cost of Living
80%

Welder Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median welder salary of $37,608, which is $1,880 below the Arkansas state average of $39,488. Compared to the national median of $47,010, 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 $37,608 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $47,010 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for welders seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for welders in Fort Smith spans from $26,560 at the 10th percentile to $56,640 at the 90th percentile — a $30,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,600, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $54,400. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Welder Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level welder earns around $25,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $54,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,600
$-6,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$54,400
$-13,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $26,560
25th Percentile $31,040
Median (50th) $37,608
75th Percentile $46,560
90th Percentile $56,640

Welder Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$41,369
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$40,899
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$39,488
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$38,548
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Welder in Fort Smith

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open welder positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Welder make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median welder salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $37,608 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $26,560 (10th percentile) to $56,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,608, a welder in Fort Smith earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for welder pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median welder salary of $37,608 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $39,488. 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 welder salary of $37,608 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Fort Smith? ▼
Most welder positions in Fort Smith require a high school diploma. Key skills include MIG/TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.