Agriculture & Environment Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Zoologist Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median zoologist salary in Fort Smith, AR is $54,584 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$54,584
vs State Avg
$-2,729
vs National
$-13,646
Cost of Living
80%

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

Fort Smith offers a median zoologist salary of $54,584, which is $2,729 below the Arkansas state average of $57,313. Compared to the national median of $68,230, 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 $54,584 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,230 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Fort Smith spans from $33,600 at the 10th percentile to $89,600 at the 90th percentile — a $56,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,000, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,000. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Zoologist Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level zoologist earns around $36,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,000
$-9,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,000
$-14,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,000
$-21,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $33,600
25th Percentile $43,200
Median (50th) $54,584
75th Percentile $72,000
90th Percentile $89,600

Zoologist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$60,042
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$59,360
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$57,313
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$55,949
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Zoologist in Fort Smith

Education

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

Key Skills

Wildlife BiologyField ResearchData AnalysisGISScientific WritingConservation

Job Outlook

Nationally, zoologist 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 Zoologist Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open zoologist positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Zoologist make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $54,584 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $89,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,584, a zoologist in Fort Smith earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median zoologist salary of $54,584 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $57,313. 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 zoologist salary of $54,584 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Fort Smith? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Fort Smith require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Wildlife Biology, Field Research, Data Analysis, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.