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Automotive Engineer Salary in Fort Smith, AR

How much does a automotive engineer make in Fort Smith? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Fort Smith's cost of living.

Median Salary
$71,936
per year in Fort Smith
Entry Level
$43,597
Starting salary
Senior Level
$98,821
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
80
20% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how automotive engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Fort Smith.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$43,597$71,936$98,821
Monthly$3,633$5,995$8,235
Biweekly$1,677$2,767$3,801
Weekly$838$1,383$1,900
Hourly$21$35$48

Fort Smith vs National Average

How Fort Smith's automotive engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Fort Smith Salary
$71,936
COL Index: 80
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$40,464
Lower in Fort Smith

Cost of Living in Fort Smith

1-Bedroom Rent
$700
per month
Median Income
$36,450
per year
Population
89,142
residents
Rent % of Income
23.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 80 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Fort Smith have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Automotive Engineer

Overview

Design and develop vehicles and automotive systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automotive or Mechanical Engineering

Key Skills

Vehicle DesignCADPowertrain SystemsPerformance Testing

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Automotive Engineer Salary

See Automotive Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$111,270
+55%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
+59%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
+40%
Houston, TX
$126,870
+76%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
+42%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Automotive Engineer Salary in Fort Smith, AR — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a automotive engineer in Fort Smith, AR is $71,936 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 80. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Fort Smith's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level automotive engineer professionals in Fort Smith can expect to earn around $43,597 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level automotive engineers earning approximately $98,821 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Fort Smith's cost of living index of 80 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Fort Smith are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,400, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a automotive engineer's salary in Fort Smith typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $700 per month, housing represents about 11.7% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Automotive Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In Fort Smith, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.