Average Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $53,060. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,450, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as regional demand and supply, play a significant role in compensation within this area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,670.
- Outlook: The Fort Smith, AR-OK region supports a substantial workforce of 830 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 8.605, the demand for these professionals is evident, indicating a stable job market for LPNs and LVNs in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-17.7%below the national average.
$25.5
$1,020
$4,422
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Fort Smith, AR-OK have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing healthcare compensation due to ongoing demand and evolving responsibilities.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Salary progression for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $45,440 | $21.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $39,795 | $19.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $50,980 | $24.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $66,325 | $31.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $60,670 | $29.2 |
Detailed Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $53,060 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 an LPN/LVN's salary in Fort Smith is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to living expenses.
Job Market Context
830
Total Jobs
8.605
Per 1K Jobs
2.1
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 2.1x the national concentration of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Fort Smith, AR-OK boasts a Location Quotient of 2.1 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, indicating that the concentration of these professionals is more than double the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially competitive job market where LPNs and LVNs are a significant component of the local healthcare workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $57,740↑ 9% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $50,860↓ 4% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $53,060. This typically ranges from $45,440 for entry-level positions to $60,670 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 17.7% lower than the national median of $64,450.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
No, not in terms of nominal salary compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $53,060 is significantly lower than the national average of $64,450 for LPNs/LVNs.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
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 ($57,740) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the number of LPNs/LVNs in Fort Smith compare to the national average?
Fort Smith has a higher concentration of LPNs/LVNs, with a Location Quotient of 2.1, meaning there are more than twice the national average of these professionals relative to the general workforce.
What is the job outlook for LPNs/LVNs in Fort Smith?
The job outlook appears stable, with 8.605 LPNs/LVNs per 1,000 workers, indicating consistent demand for these nursing roles within the region.
Does experience impact LPN/LVN salaries in Fort Smith?
Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role, with senior LPNs/LVNs earning substantially more than entry-level practitioners.
How does the cost of living affect the LPN/LVN salary in Fort Smith?
The cost of living in Fort Smith is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $53,060 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 830 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 8.605 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK