Average Carpenters Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Carpenters in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $43,260. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $64,010, reflecting regional economic factors and local demand dynamics. The specific economic landscape and industry needs within the Fort Smith area directly influence the compensation offered to skilled trades professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,060.
- Outlook: The Fort Smith, AR-OK area supports a local carpenter workforce of 220 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.5, the concentration of carpenters is below the national average, suggesting a less saturated market relative to other professions. While the total workforce size is modest, the demand, indicated by 2.269 jobs per 1,000 workers, signifies a steady, albeit not booming, employment environment for carpenters.
Salary Overview
The average Carpenters in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-32.4%below the national average.
$20.8
$832
$3,605
Carpenters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for carpenter salary growth in Fort Smith is not provided, it is generally assumed that wages for skilled trades have seen incremental increases over the past four years, driven by inflation and a persistent need for construction and renovation services. This trend likely mirrors national patterns, where demand for experienced carpenters continues to support modest salary appreciation.
Carpenters Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Carpenter salaries typically scale with experience, with entry-level positions offering lower compensation and senior roles commanding higher pay. The progression from apprentice to journeyman and then to master carpenter often involves significant salary increases, reflecting acquired skills, project complexity, and responsibility. The percentile gaps in salary data generally signify these distinct career progression stages and the associated earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $30,740 | $14.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,445 | $15.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $38,580 | $18.5 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $54,075 | $26 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $62,060 | $29.8 |
Detailed Carpenters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average carpenter salary of $43,260 in Fort Smith, AR-OK aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a carpenter's income in Fort Smith is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services does not present a disadvantage.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
2.269
Per 1K Jobs
0.5
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.50x the national average concentration of Carpenters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.5 for carpenters in Fort Smith, AR-OK indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the local job market compared to the national average. This suggests that while there may not be an oversupply of carpenters, the demand might also be more specialized or less widespread than in areas with a higher concentration. It implies a moderately competitive market where skilled carpenters can find opportunities, but perhaps not an abundance of them.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Carpenters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Carpenters Salary | $51,820↑ 20% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Carpenters Salary | $44,860↑ 4% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Carpenterss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Carpenters make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Carpenters in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $43,260. This typically ranges from $30,740 for entry-level positions to $62,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 32.4% lower than the national median of $64,010.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Carpenters?
No, but the cost of living is balanced.The average salary for carpenters in Fort Smith, AR-OK is significantly below the national average. However, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is comparable nationally.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Carpenters?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($51,820) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the Fort Smith carpenter salary compare to the national average?
Carpenters in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average of $43,260 annually, which is substantially lower than the national average of $64,010.
What is the concentration of carpenters in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The Location Quotient for carpenters in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 0.5, indicating that the profession is half as concentrated locally compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a carpenter's salary in Fort Smith?
No, the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR-OK is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the lower nominal salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average.
What is the job density for carpenters in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
There are approximately 2.269 carpenter jobs per 1,000 workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK, suggesting a steady but not exceptionally high demand for the trade.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 2.269 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Carpenters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK