Average Packers and Packagers, Hand Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, Packers and Packagers, Hand earn an average annual salary of $34,200. This figure is slightly below the national average of $36,580, a common trend in regions with a lower cost of living. Local economic factors and industry demand within the Fort Smith metropolitan area contribute to this localized pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.1% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,730.
- Outlook: The Fort Smith, AR-OK region supports a local workforce of 290 Packers and Packagers, Hand. With a Location Quotient of 0.76, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The presence of nearly 3 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these essential positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Packers and Packagers, Hand in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-6.5%below the national average.
$16.4
$658
$2,850
Packers and Packagers, Hand Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fort Smith is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Packers and Packagers, Hand have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for packaged goods, and evolving industry standards, leading to modest but steady increases in compensation for skilled workers.
Packers and Packagers, Hand Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Career progression for Packers and Packagers, Hand typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify the potential for advancement and increased earning capacity as one accumulates experience and expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $26,530 | $12.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $25,650 | $12.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $30,700 | $14.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $42,750 | $20.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $49,730 | $23.9 |
Detailed Packers and Packagers, Hand Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $34,200 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 the salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating that the lower nominal wage is offset by the stable cost of essential goods and services in the area.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
2.961
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.76x the national average concentration of Packers and Packagers, Hand jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.76 for Packers and Packagers, Hand in Fort Smith, AR-OK suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Packers and Packagers, Hand
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Packers and Packagers, Hand Salary | $34,230↑ 0% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Packers and Packagers, Hand Salary | $29,580↓ 14% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Packers and Packagers, Hands?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Packers and Packagers, Hand make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Packers and Packagers, Hand in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $34,200. This typically ranges from $26,530 for entry-level positions to $49,730 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 6.5% lower than the national median of $36,580.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Packers and Packagers, Hands?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,200 is below the national average, though this is balanced by a Cost of Living Index of 100.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Packers and Packagers, Hands?
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 ($34,230) and Hot Springs, AR.
What is the average salary for a Packer and Packager, Hand in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The average annual salary for Packers and Packagers, Hand in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $34,200.
How does the Fort Smith salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Fort Smith ($34,200) is slightly lower than the national average ($36,580).
What is the Cost of Living in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Packer and Packager jobs in Fort Smith?
The concentration of Packer and Packager jobs in Fort Smith, as indicated by the Location Quotient of 0.76, is slightly below the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 2.961 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Packers and Packagers, Hand • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK