Average Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders earn an average annual salary of $41,700. This figure is slightly below the national average of $43,630, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local industry. The cost of living in Fort Smith aligns precisely with the national average, making this salary's purchasing power comparable to the national median.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,930.
- Outlook: The job market for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Fort Smith, AR-OK, shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 2.48, significantly exceeding the national average. This suggests a robust demand for these roles within the local economy, supported by a workforce of approximately 600 individuals in this specific occupation. The high concentration implies that Fort Smith is a key hub for this profession, offering potentially more opportunities than a typical metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-4.4%below the national average.
$20.1
$802
$3,475
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Fort Smith have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, inflation, and increasing demand for packaged goods likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation, ensuring that wages keep pace with the cost of living and industry advancements.
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Career progression for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Fort Smith typically involves salary increases tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized knowledge or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,310 | $15.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $31,275 | $15 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $41,730 | $20.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $52,125 | $25.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $49,930 | $24 |
Detailed Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $41,700 in Fort Smith, AR-OK, is perfectly balanced by the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability for individuals relocating to the area. Residents can expect their income to cover essential expenses at a rate consistent with the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
600
Total Jobs
6.17
Per 1K Jobs
2.48
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 2.5x the national concentration of Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders 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, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 2.48. This indicates that the occupation is more than twice as prevalent in Fort Smith compared to the national average. Such a high concentration suggests a specialized local industry that relies heavily on these roles, potentially leading to a competitive environment for employers seeking talent but also offering ample opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders Salary | $39,450↓ 5% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $41,700. This typically ranges from $31,310 for entry-level positions to $49,930 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 4.4% lower than the national median of $43,630.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenderss?
No, but it offers stable opportunities.While the average salary of $41,700 is slightly below the national average, the strong concentration of jobs (LQ of 2.48) and a cost of living at the national average suggest a stable, albeit not exceptionally high-paying, market.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders?
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 ($39,450) and others.
How does the Fort Smith salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $41,700, which is slightly lower than the national average of $43,630.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Fort Smith?
A Location Quotient of 2.48 means that Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders are more than twice as common in Fort Smith compared to the national average, indicating a strong local industry presence.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Fort Smith?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (the national average), the $41,700 salary in Fort Smith has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning it is neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
What is the total number of Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in Fort Smith?
There are approximately 600 Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders employed in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 6.17 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK