SalaryNode

Average Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK

In Fort Smith, AR-OK, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earn an average annual salary of $50,730. This figure is notably below the national average of $69,920, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within this skilled trade.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,730 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,810.
  • Outlook: The local market for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Fort Smith, AR-OK, comprises a workforce of 230 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.79, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,730

The average Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-27.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.4

Weekly

$976

Monthly

$4,228

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK

Career progression for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Fort Smith, AR-OK, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall below the average of $50,730, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher earnings, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles of the salary range.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$34,040$16.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$38,048$18.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$49,440$23.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$63,413$30.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$63,810$30.7

Detailed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,730

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$50,730

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $50,730 in Fort Smith, AR-OK, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a plumber's salary in Fort Smith is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without the added financial strain of a high cost of living.

Job Market Context

230

Total Jobs

2.337

Per 1K Jobs

0.79

Location Quotient

Below Average

Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.79x the national average concentration of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 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 0.79 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Fort Smith, AR-OK, suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This implies a moderately competitive market, where the number of available jobs is in reasonable proportion to the number of skilled workers, offering steady employment opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK

Hiring Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?

The median annual salary for a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $50,730. This typically ranges from $34,040 for entry-level positions to $63,810 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 27.4% lower than the national median of $69,920.

Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?

No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living is at the national average, the average salary of $50,730 is significantly lower than the national average of $69,920 for this trade.

Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?

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 ($54,420) and Hot Springs, AR.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability?

A local workforce of 230 indicates a moderate pool of skilled professionals, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the market may not be saturated, potentially leading to consistent demand for qualified individuals.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.79 mean for this trade?

A Location Quotient below 1.0 signifies that Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters are less concentrated in Fort Smith, AR-OK, compared to the national average, implying a stable job market with potential for growth.

How does experience affect a Plumber's salary in Fort Smith?

As with most trades, experience is a key driver of salary. Entry-level plumbers will earn less than the average, while senior plumbers with specialized skills and a proven track record can expect to earn considerably more.

Is the cost of living a factor in the salary for this role?

Yes, the Cost of Living Index being at 100 means that the $50,730 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, indicating that local economic factors are balanced with the national standard.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 2.337 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.