Average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The average salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $63,420. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $63,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 68.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $180,910.
- Outlook: The current demand for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 30 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Fort Smith, AR-OK economy.
Salary Overview
The average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-5.1%below the national average.
$30.5
$1,220
$5,285
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salaries in Fort Smith, AR-OK have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 68.6%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The earning potential for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Fort Smith, AR-OK varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 6.0x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $29,960, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $180,910.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $29,960 | $14.4 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $47,565 | $22.9 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $51,990 | $25 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $79,275 | $38.1 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $180,910 | $87 |
Detailed Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$63,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $63,420 to $63,420.
Job Market Context
30
Total Jobs
0.327
Per 1K Jobs
0.4
Location Quotient
At 0.40x, Fort Smith, AR-OK has a notably lower concentration of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
30 people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK.
Only 0.327 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary | $67,350↑ 6% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $63,420. This typically ranges from $29,960 for entry-level positions to $180,910 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 5.1% lower than the national median of $66,840.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $63,420 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Fort Smith, AR-OK. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
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 ($67,350) and others.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 0.327 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK