Average Nursing Assistants Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Nursing Assistants in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $31,600, which is notably lower than the national average of $41,050. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, local demand for healthcare services, and the overall cost structure within the Fort Smith metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,060.
- Outlook: The Fort Smith, AR-OK area supports a substantial workforce of approximately 1,500 Nursing Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.72, the concentration of these roles is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a robust local demand and a specialized job market for this profession within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Nursing Assistants in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-23.0%below the national average.
$15.2
$608
$2,633
Nursing Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fort Smith is not provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Nursing Assistants nationwide have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, driven by increasing healthcare needs and a growing demand for skilled caregivers. This national trend likely reflects positively, albeit potentially at a different rate, on the local compensation for Nursing Assistants in Fort Smith.
Nursing Assistants Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Salary progression for Nursing Assistants typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $24,120 | $11.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $23,700 | $11.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $31,250 | $15 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $39,500 | $19 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $36,060 | $17.3 |
Detailed Nursing Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,600 for Nursing Assistants in Fort Smith, AR-OK aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the lower pay is offset by the stable cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,500
Total Jobs
15.512
Per 1K Jobs
1.72
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 1.7x the national concentration of Nursing Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.72 for Nursing Assistants in Fort Smith, AR-OK signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a higher relative demand for Nursing Assistants in the area, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these vital roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Nursing Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Nursing Assistants Salary | $36,020↑ 14% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Nursing Assistants Salary | $31,760↑ 1% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nursing Assistants make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Nursing Assistants in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $31,600. This typically ranges from $24,120 for entry-level positions to $36,060 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 23.0% lower than the national median of $41,050.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Nursing Assistants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $31,600 is significantly below the national average of $41,050 for Nursing Assistants.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Nursing Assistants?
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 ($36,020) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 15.512 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Fort Smith, AR-OK area shows a strong presence of Nursing Assistant roles relative to its overall workforce, exceeding the national average.
What is the total number of Nursing Assistants in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The Fort Smith, AR-OK metropolitan area employs approximately 1,500 Nursing Assistants, reflecting a significant segment of the local healthcare workforce.
Does experience impact a Nursing Assistant's salary in Fort Smith?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary determination. More experienced Nursing Assistants typically earn higher wages than those in entry-level positions, reflecting increased skill and responsibility.
How does the cost of living affect the salary perception?
The cost of living in Fort Smith, AR-OK is at the national average (100). This means the $31,600 salary, while lower than the national average, offers comparable purchasing power to a higher salary in a more expensive region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,500 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 15.512 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Nursing Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK