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Carpenter Salary in Fort Smith, AR

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

Median Salary
$39,898
per year in Fort Smith
Entry Level
$20,614
Starting salary
Senior Level
$55,857
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
80
20% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$20,614$39,898$55,857
Monthly$1,718$3,325$4,655
Biweekly$793$1,535$2,148
Weekly$396$767$1,074
Hourly$10$19$27

Fort Smith vs National Average

How Fort Smith's carpenter salaries compare to national figures.

Fort Smith Salary
$39,898
COL Index: 80
National Average
$62,340
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$22,442
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 Carpenter

Overview

Build and repair wooden structures and fixtures.

Education

High school diploma; apprenticeship preferred

Key Skills

CarpentryTool OperationBuilding CodesSafety

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +12% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Carpenter Salary

See Carpenter salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$69,680
+75%
Los Angeles, CA
$73,840
+85%
Chicago, IL
$76,510
+92%
Houston, TX
$48,910
+23%
Phoenix, AZ
$59,030
+48%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Carpenter Salary in Fort Smith, AR — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a carpenter in Fort Smith, AR is $39,898 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 carpenter professionals in Fort Smith can expect to earn around $20,614 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level carpenters earning approximately $55,857 per year. This represents a 171% 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 $62,340, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a carpenter's salary in Fort Smith typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $700 per month, housing represents about 21.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Carpenters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 12% 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.