Average Legal Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, professionals in Legal Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $84,860. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $143,370, reflecting the localized economic factors and demand specific to the Fort Smith region. The cost of living in Fort Smith aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that while nominal salaries are lower, purchasing power may be more comparable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $84,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $112,890.
- Outlook: The Legal Occupations sector in Fort Smith, AR-OK, comprises a workforce of 450 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.57, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a less saturated market compared to other regions. The rate of 4.679 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for legal professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Legal Occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-40.8%below the national average.
$40.8
$1,632
$7,072
Legal Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fort Smith's Legal Occupations is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth and evolving legal landscapes typically drive modest salary increases, even in markets with lower concentrations of specific professions.
Legal Occupations Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Salary progression within Legal Occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK, is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior roles requiring extensive expertise and a proven track record will see significant increases. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles highlight the substantial career growth and earning potential available to dedicated legal professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $37,130 | $17.9 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $63,645 | $30.6 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $66,960 | $32.2 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $106,075 | $51 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $112,890 | $54.3 |
Detailed Legal Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$84,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$84,860
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $84,860 in Fort Smith, AR-OK, is positioned directly against a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal income earned by legal professionals in this area has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
450
Total Jobs
4.679
Per 1K Jobs
0.57
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.57x the national average concentration of Legal Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.57 for Legal Occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK, indicates that these roles are less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand might not be as robust as in major metropolitan hubs, the market is less competitive, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled professionals to establish themselves without facing intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Legal Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Legal Occupations Salary | $134,490↑ 58% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Legal Occupations Salary | $73,600↓ 13% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Legal Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Legal Occupations make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Legal Occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $84,860. This typically ranges from $37,130 for entry-level positions to $112,890 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 40.8% lower than the national median of $143,370.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Legal Occupationss?
No, not compared to the national average.While the average salary of $84,860 is substantial, it falls significantly below the national average of $143,370. However, the cost of living matching the national average provides some balance to the nominal salary.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Legal Occupations?
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 ($134,490) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 450 legal professionals suggests a moderately sized professional community. While not a massive hub, it indicates a stable presence and ongoing need for legal services within the Fort Smith area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.57 mean for legal professionals?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.57, signifies that Legal Occupations are less prevalent in Fort Smith, AR-OK, compared to the national average. This could mean fewer job openings but potentially less competition for available roles.
How does the cost of living impact the $84,860 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $84,860 salary in Fort Smith has the same purchasing power as the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the expenses for goods and services are also comparable.
What is the job density for Legal Occupations in Fort Smith?
There are approximately 4.679 jobs per 1,000 workers in Legal Occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK. This metric provides insight into the relative prevalence of these jobs within the overall employment landscape of the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 4.679 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Legal Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK