Average Childcare Workers Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Childcare Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $26,600. This figure is notably below the national average of $32,190, reflecting localized economic factors and demand specific to the Fort Smith metropolitan area. Regional economic conditions and the overall supply and demand for childcare services significantly influence compensation levels in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,390.
- Outlook: The Fort Smith, AR-OK region supports a dedicated workforce of 350 Childcare Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.07, the concentration of these professionals slightly exceeds the national average, suggesting a stable, if not slightly elevated, demand for their services within the local economy. This indicates a consistent need for childcare professionals to support the community's families.
Salary Overview
The average Childcare Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-17.4%below the national average.
$12.8
$512
$2,217
Childcare Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Childcare Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK have experienced modest growth, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts and evolving demand for early childhood education likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation over time, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and attract qualified professionals.
Childcare Workers Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Career progression for Childcare Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK typically involves salary increases tied to experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, those with extensive experience, or specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,540 | $10.8 |
| ExperiencedProficient professional working independently. | 25% (Junior) | $19,950 | $9.6 |
| Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value. | 50% (Median) | $25,210 | $12.1 |
| Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role. | 75% (Senior) | $33,250 | $16 |
| Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation. | 90% (Expert) | $34,390 | $16.5 |
Detailed Childcare Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,600 for Childcare Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, making the local cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of the salary.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
3.599
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Fort Smith, AR-OK has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Childcare Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.07 indicates that Childcare Workers are slightly more concentrated in Fort Smith, AR-OK than the national average. This suggests a healthy and slightly more robust job market for these professionals compared to the rest of the country, implying that opportunities may be more readily available or that the demand is consistently present within the local community.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Childcare Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Childcare Workers Salary | $29,110↑ 9% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Childcare Workers Salary | $29,150↑ 10% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Childcare Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Childcare Workers make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Childcare Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $26,600. This typically ranges from $22,540 for entry-level positions to $34,390 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 17.4% lower than the national median of $32,190.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Childcare Workerss?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative.The average salary of $26,600 is significantly below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates that while expenses are standard, the earning potential is comparatively lower.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Childcare Workers?
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 ($29,110) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the Fort Smith, AR-OK salary compare to the national average?
Childcare Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average of $26,600 annually, which is $5,590 less than the national average of $32,190.
What is the concentration of Childcare Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The Location Quotient for Childcare Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 1.07, meaning the occupation is slightly more concentrated locally than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Fort Smith, AR-OK is at the national average. This means the $26,600 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
What is the total workforce size for Childcare Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
There are approximately 350 Childcare Workers employed in the Fort Smith, AR-OK metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 3.599 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Childcare Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK