Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an impressive average annual salary of $61,080, surpassing the national average of $58,380. This elevated compensation is often driven by the specific logistical demands and economic drivers unique to the Fort Smith region, influencing local pay scales for this critical transportation role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,300.
- Outlook: The Fort Smith, AR-OK area demonstrates a robust job market for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 3,310 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 2.56 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns+4.6%above the national average.
$29.4
$1,175
$5,090
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, reflecting increased operational costs, demand for qualified drivers, and industry-wide adjustments to compensation to attract and retain talent.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Salary progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Fort Smith, AR-OK typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,190 | $15 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $45,810 | $22 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $60,190 | $28.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $76,350 | $36.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $97,300 | $46.8 |
Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $61,080 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 truck driver's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
3,310
Total Jobs
34.369
Per 1K Jobs
2.56
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 2.6x the national concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.56, Fort Smith, AR-OK presents a highly concentrated market for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, more than double the national average. This indicates a strong demand for these professionals and suggests that the job market is relatively abundant with opportunities for qualified drivers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $56,410↓ 8% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $44,410↓ 27% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $61,080. This typically ranges from $31,190 for entry-level positions to $97,300 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 4.6% higher than the national median of $58,380.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
Yes, Fort Smith, AR-OK is a lucrative location for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.The average salary of $61,080 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of jobs (LQ 2.56) points to strong regional demand.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
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 ($56,410) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the Fort Smith truck driver salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $61,080, which is higher than the national average of $58,380.
What is the concentration of truck driving jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Fort Smith, AR-OK has a Location Quotient of 2.56 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, indicating that jobs in this field are more than twice as concentrated as the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a truck driver's salary in Fort Smith?
No, the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR-OK is at the national average (100), meaning the $61,080 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many truck drivers are employed in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area?
There are approximately 3,310 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers employed in the Fort Smith, AR-OK local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,310 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 34.369 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK