Home / City Job Salaries / City Manager in Fort Smith

City Manager Salary in Fort Smith, AR

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

Median Salary
$98,637
per year in Fort Smith
Entry Level
$58,243
Starting salary
Senior Level
$136,212
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
80
20% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$58,243$98,637$136,212
Monthly$4,854$8,220$11,351
Biweekly$2,240$3,794$5,239
Weekly$1,120$1,897$2,619
Hourly$28$47$65

Fort Smith vs National Average

How Fort Smith's city manager salaries compare to national figures.

Fort Smith Salary
$98,637
COL Index: 80
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$55,483
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 City Manager

Overview

Oversee city government operations and administration.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration or related field

Key Skills

Public AdministrationBudget ManagementLeadershipStrategic Planning

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: City Manager Salary

See City Manager salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$360,256
+265%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+135%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+84%
Houston, TX
$144,950
+47%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
+67%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a city manager salary in Fort Smith.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Fort Smith.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Fort Smith.

City Manager Salary in Fort Smith, AR — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Fort Smith, AR is $98,637 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 city manager professionals in Fort Smith can expect to earn around $58,243 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $136,212 per year. This represents a 134% 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 $154,120, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a city manager's salary in Fort Smith typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $700 per month, housing represents about 8.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

City Managers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% 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.