Average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $46,510. This figure is notably below the national average of $63,300, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different demand-supply dynamic for law enforcement roles in this specific metropolitan area. Localized economic conditions and the cost of doing business often influence compensation structures.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,870.
- Outlook: The Fort Smith, AR-OK area supports a local workforce of 340 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers. With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of 3.504 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these essential public service professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-26.5%below the national average.
$22.4
$894
$3,876
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fort Smith is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers have seen incremental growth over the past four years, aligning with broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This steady, albeit modest, increase is typical for public sector positions that prioritize stability and consistent service delivery.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Salary progression for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Fort Smith, AR-OK typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned officers with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles highlight clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on accumulated expertise within the department.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $33,090 | $15.9 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $34,883 | $16.8 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $45,270 | $21.8 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $58,138 | $28 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $59,870 | $28.8 |
Detailed Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $46,510 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 patrol officer'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 or the benefit of significant savings due to a low cost of living.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
3.504
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.81x the national average concentration of Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 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 0.81 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Fort Smith, AR-OK indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable and offers opportunities, it may not be as intensely competitive or saturated as in areas with a higher LQ, potentially providing a more accessible entry point for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $52,530↑ 13% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $47,790↑ 3% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $46,510. This typically ranges from $33,090 for entry-level positions to $59,870 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 26.5% lower than the national median of $63,300.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $46,510 is significantly lower than the national average of $63,300 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
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 ($52,530) and Hot Springs, AR.
What is the average salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officer in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The average annual salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officer in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $46,510.
How does the Fort Smith, AR-OK salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK ($46,510) is considerably lower than the national average salary of $63,300 for this profession.
What is the Cost of Living Index 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 is the job market for Patrol Officers in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The job market for Patrol Officers in Fort Smith, AR-OK has a Location Quotient of 0.81, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to 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 340 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 3.504 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK