Average Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, the average annual salary for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers is $42,710. This figure is notably below the national average of $51,560, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry demand and the specific economic landscape of the region, play a significant role in compensation levels for this occupation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,680.
- Outlook: The job market for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in Fort Smith, AR-OK, shows a healthy concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.88 indicating a presence nearly double the national average. Supported by a local workforce of 700 individuals in this role, the demand appears robust and suggests a stable employment environment for these professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-17.2%below the national average.
$20.5
$821
$3,559
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in Fort Smith, AR-OK, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical for roles integral to manufacturing and quality control processes, reflecting an ongoing need for skilled personnel.
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Career progression for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in Fort Smith, AR-OK, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or lead roles, often requiring specialized knowledge and years of service, command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $30,430 | $14.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,033 | $15.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $38,350 | $18.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $53,388 | $25.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $55,680 | $26.8 |
Detailed Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $42,710 in Fort Smith, AR-OK, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the average salary in Fort Smith is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not disproportionately diminish its value.
Job Market Context
700
Total Jobs
7.224
Per 1K Jobs
1.88
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 1.9x the national concentration of Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers 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 1.88, Fort Smith, AR-OK, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers compared to the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market where employers may actively seek out talent with specific skills relevant to the local industries, while also indicating a strong local demand for these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Salary | $43,460↑ 2% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Salary | $46,080↑ 8% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $42,710. This typically ranges from $30,430 for entry-level positions to $55,680 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 17.2% lower than the national median of $51,560.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigherss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $42,710 is substantially lower than the national average of $51,560, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific location.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers?
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 ($43,460) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 7.224 jobs per 1,000 workers for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers, which is higher than the national average, indicating a greater prevalence of these roles locally.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Fort Smith?
An LQ of 1.88 means that the concentration of Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers in Fort Smith is 88% higher than the national average, suggesting a strong regional specialization in this field.
How does the total local workforce size affect job prospects?
With a total local workforce of 700 in this occupation, Fort Smith offers a substantial pool of opportunities, indicating a stable and active job market for these professionals.
Does the cost of living in Fort Smith impact the perceived salary?
Since the Cost of Living Index is 100 (national average), the $42,710 salary in Fort Smith has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning the lower nominal wage is offset by lower living expenses.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 700 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 7.224 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK