Average Machinists Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Machinists in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $47,520, which is below the national average of $57,000. This difference can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors, including industry demand and the specific manufacturing landscape within the region. Understanding these localized pay scales is crucial for career planning and salary negotiation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,840.
- Outlook: The machinist job market in Fort Smith, AR-OK, shows a moderate level of concentration with a Location Quotient of 1.15, suggesting a slightly higher prevalence of these roles compared to the national average. With a total local workforce of 220 machinists, the demand, while not exceptionally high, is stable and indicates a consistent need for skilled professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Machinists in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-16.6%below the national average.
$22.9
$914
$3,960
Machinists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fort Smith's machinist salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in line with national economic patterns. Typically, skilled trades like machining experience incremental salary growth driven by inflation, increasing demand for specialized skills, and the overall health of the manufacturing sector.
Machinists Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Salary progression for machinists in Fort Smith, AR-OK, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior machinists with extensive expertise and specialized certifications can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential associated with accumulating years of experience and developing advanced proficiencies.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $32,790 | $15.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,640 | $17.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,340 | $23.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,400 | $28.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $58,840 | $28.3 |
Detailed Machinists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,520 for machinists 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 a machinist's salary in Fort Smith is equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location for this profession.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
2.237
Per 1K Jobs
1.15
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.15, Fort Smith, AR-OK has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Machinists roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.15, Fort Smith, AR-OK, presents a slightly more concentrated market for machinists than the national average. This indicates a healthy, albeit not overwhelmingly saturated, demand for these skilled professionals. The job market is competitive enough to ensure opportunities but not so tight as to make finding employment exceedingly difficult.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Machinists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Machinists Salary | $52,630↑ 11% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Machinists Salary | $47,720↑ 0% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Machinistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Machinists make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Machinists in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $47,520. This typically ranges from $32,790 for entry-level positions to $58,840 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 16.6% lower than the national median of $57,000.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Machinists?
No, but it offers stable purchasing power.While the average salary of $47,520 is below the national average, the local cost of living is also at the national average. This means your earnings will have equivalent purchasing power to the national average, offering financial stability.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Machinists?
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 ($52,630) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does experience impact a Machinist's salary in Fort Smith?
Experience significantly impacts salary. Entry-level machinists earn less, while senior machinists with specialized skills and certifications can earn substantially more than the $47,520 average.
Is the demand for Machinists high in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The demand is moderate, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.15. This suggests a slightly higher concentration of machinist jobs than the national average, implying consistent opportunities.
How does Fort Smith's cost of living compare to the national average?
Fort Smith's cost of living is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100. This means that the $47,520 salary offers the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of Machinists employed in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
There are approximately 220 machinists employed in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area, contributing to the local manufacturing and industrial sectors.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 2.237 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Machinists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK