Average Home Health and Personal Care Aides Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, Home Health and Personal Care Aides earn an average annual salary of $27,800. This figure is notably below the national average of $34,910, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this region. The specific pay rates are often tied to the cost of doing business and the prevailing wage expectations within the local market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,770.
- Outlook: The Fort Smith, AR-OK area supports a substantial workforce of 2,390 Home Health and Personal Care Aides. With a location quotient of 0.96, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these essential services within the community. The presence of nearly 25 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the ongoing need for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Home Health and Personal Care Aides in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-20.4%below the national average.
$13.4
$535
$2,317
Home Health and Personal Care Aides Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fort Smith is not provided, the Home Health and Personal Care Aide sector nationally has experienced consistent growth over the past four years, driven by an aging population and increased demand for in-home care. It is reasonable to assume that salaries within Fort Smith have also seen a gradual upward trend, mirroring this national expansion, albeit potentially at a different pace due to local economic conditions.
Home Health and Personal Care Aides Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in the earning potential for Home Health and Personal Care Aides. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while aides with several years of experience, specialized certifications, or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated skills and dedication.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $23,920 | $11.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $20,850 | $10 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $27,570 | $13.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $34,750 | $16.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $29,770 | $14.3 |
Detailed Home Health and Personal Care Aides Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,800 in Fort Smith, AR-OK aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary may appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national standard, making the effective take-home value comparable.
Job Market Context
2,390
Total Jobs
24.748
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.96x the national average concentration of Home Health and Personal Care Aides jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the Fort Smith, AR-OK market for Home Health and Personal Care Aides is very close to the national average in terms of job concentration. This suggests a balanced job market where the number of available positions is relatively proportional to the national landscape, indicating neither an oversaturated nor a significantly undersupplied environment for these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Home Health and Personal Care Aides
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Home Health and Personal Care Aides Salary | $29,240↑ 5% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Home Health and Personal Care Aides Salary | $26,510↓ 5% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Home Health and Personal Care Aidess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Home Health and Personal Care Aides make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Home Health and Personal Care Aides in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $27,800. This typically ranges from $23,920 for entry-level positions to $29,770 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 20.4% lower than the national median of $34,910.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Home Health and Personal Care Aides?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $27,800 is significantly lower than the national average of $34,910, impacting overall earning potential.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Home Health and Personal Care Aides?
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 ($29,240) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 24.748 jobs per 1,000 workers for Home Health and Personal Care Aides, which is very close to the national average, indicating a stable job market.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for this role in Fort Smith?
A Location Quotient of 0.96 means the concentration of Home Health and Personal Care Aide jobs in Fort Smith is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions.
Does experience increase salary for Home Health and Personal Care Aides in Fort Smith?
Yes, like most roles, experience is expected to increase salary. Senior aides with specialized skills or longer tenure will likely earn more than entry-level professionals.
How does the cost of living in Fort Smith affect the salary?
The cost of living in Fort Smith is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $27,800 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary has nationwide.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,390 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 24.748 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Home Health and Personal Care Aides • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK