Average Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The average salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistantss in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $51,670. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR-OK may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,990.
- Outlook: The current demand for Paralegals and Legal Assistantss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 120 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Fort Smith, AR-OK economy.
Salary Overview
The average Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-21.8%below the national average.
$24.8
$994
$4,306
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Paralegals and Legal Assistants salaries in Fort Smith, AR-OK have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 22.2%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The earning potential for Paralegals and Legal Assistantss in Fort Smith, AR-OK varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $37,080, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $64,990.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $37,080 | $17.8 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $38,753 | $18.6 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $49,000 | $23.6 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $64,588 | $31.1 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $64,990 | $31.2 |
Detailed Paralegals and Legal Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $51,670 to $51,670.
Job Market Context
120
Total Jobs
1.266
Per 1K Jobs
0.53
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.53x the national average concentration of Paralegals and Legal Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
120 people work as Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Fort Smith, AR-OK.
1.266 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Paralegals and Legal Assistants positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary | $60,680↑ 17% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary | $53,610↑ 4% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Paralegals and Legal Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Paralegals and Legal Assistants make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $51,670. This typically ranges from $37,080 for entry-level positions to $64,990 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 21.8% lower than the national median of $66,080.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place for Paralegals and Legal Assistantss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $51,670 (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 Paralegals and Legal 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 ($60,680) and Hot Springs, AR.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 120 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 1.266 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Paralegals and Legal Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK