Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Human Resources Specialists in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $54,390. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $79,090, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local market. The compensation for HR professionals in this area is influenced by the overall economic landscape and the concentration of businesses requiring these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,990.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 470 Human Resources Specialists, Fort Smith, AR-OK demonstrates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence of these professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests that the concentration of HR Specialists is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate demand relative to other occupations. The rate of 4.823 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports a steady, consistent need for HR expertise within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Human Resources Specialists in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-31.2%below the national average.
$26.2
$1,046
$4,533
Human Resources Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fort Smith, AR-OK is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Human Resources Specialists have experienced a modest upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for skilled HR professionals, and the evolving complexities of employment law and human capital management.
Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Salary progression for Human Resources Specialists in Fort Smith, AR-OK typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior HR roles command higher salaries, reflecting increased responsibility and expertise. The gaps between salary percentiles signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated knowledge and strategic contributions to an organization's human capital.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $32,360 | $15.6 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $40,793 | $19.6 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $48,020 | $23.1 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $67,988 | $32.7 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $84,990 | $40.9 |
Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $54,390 in Fort Smith, AR-OK aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by an HR Specialist in this region holds purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Consequently, the salary offers a standard lifestyle without significant financial strain or advantage relative to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
470
Total Jobs
4.823
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.81x the national average concentration of Human Resources Specialists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.81 for Human Resources Specialists in Fort Smith, AR-OK indicates a job market that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while HR Specialists are present and needed, the field is not exceptionally saturated. This could translate to a competitive environment for job seekers, but also opportunities for those with specialized skills to stand out.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Human Resources Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Human Resources Specialists Salary | $70,390↑ 29% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Human Resources Specialists Salary | $55,830↑ 3% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $54,390. This typically ranges from $32,360 for entry-level positions to $84,990 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 31.2% lower than the national median of $79,090.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national standards.The average salary of $54,390 is significantly below the national average of $79,090. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Human Resources Specialists?
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 ($70,390) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the number of HR Specialists in Fort Smith compare nationally?
Fort Smith has a total local workforce of 470 Human Resources Specialists, with 4.823 jobs per 1,000 workers, which is slightly below the national concentration.
What is the impact of the Cost of Living Index on HR Specialist salaries in Fort Smith?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the average salary of $54,390 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced financial landscape.
Are HR Specialist jobs in high demand in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests a moderate demand, slightly below the national average concentration, implying a stable but not booming job market for HR Specialists.
What are the typical career paths for HR Specialists in Fort Smith?
Career paths generally involve progressing from entry-level roles to senior positions, with salaries increasing significantly at each level, reflecting growing experience and responsibility.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 4.823 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Human Resources Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK