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Registered Nurse Salary in Fort Smith, AR

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

Median Salary
$53,402
per year in Fort Smith
Entry Level
$37,849
Starting salary
Senior Level
$74,322
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
80
20% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$37,849$53,402$74,322
Monthly$3,154$4,450$6,194
Biweekly$1,456$2,054$2,859
Weekly$728$1,027$1,429
Hourly$18$26$36

Fort Smith vs National Average

How Fort Smith's registered nurse salaries compare to national figures.

Fort Smith Salary
$53,402
COL Index: 80
National Average
$83,440
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$30,038
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 Registered Nurse

Overview

Provide patient care and coordinate treatment in hospitals and clinical settings.

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing; RN license required

Key Skills

Patient CareMedical KnowledgeCommunicationClinical Assessment

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +16% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Registered Nurse Salary

See Registered Nurse salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$113,490
+113%
Los Angeles, CA
$133,440
+150%
Chicago, IL
$96,480
+81%
Houston, TX
$97,810
+83%
Phoenix, AZ
$98,160
+84%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Registered Nurse Salary in Fort Smith, AR — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a registered nurse in Fort Smith, AR is $53,402 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 registered nurse professionals in Fort Smith can expect to earn around $37,849 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level registered nurses earning approximately $74,322 per year. This represents a 96% 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 $83,440, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a registered nurse's salary in Fort Smith typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $700 per month, housing represents about 15.7% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Registered Nurses are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 16% 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.