Average Respiratory Therapists Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The average salary for Respiratory Therapistss in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $70,470. 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: $70,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,760.
- Outlook: The current demand for Respiratory Therapistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 100 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Fort Smith, AR-OK economy.
Salary Overview
The average Respiratory Therapists in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-16.6%below the national average.
$33.9
$1,355
$5,873
Respiratory Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Respiratory Therapists salaries in Fort Smith, AR-OK have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 30.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Respiratory Therapists Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The earning potential for Respiratory Therapistss 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 $55,420, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $77,760.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $55,420 | $26.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $52,853 | $25.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $71,520 | $34.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $88,088 | $42.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $77,760 | $37.4 |
Detailed Respiratory Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $70,470 to $70,470.
Job Market Context
100
Total Jobs
1.048
Per 1K Jobs
1.18
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.18, Fort Smith, AR-OK has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Respiratory Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
100 people work as Respiratory Therapists in Fort Smith, AR-OK.
1.048 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Respiratory Therapists positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Respiratory Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Respiratory Therapists Salary | $74,490↑ 6% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Respiratory Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Respiratory Therapists make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Respiratory Therapists in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $70,470. This typically ranges from $55,420 for entry-level positions to $77,760 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 16.6% lower than the national median of $84,540.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place for Respiratory Therapistss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Respiratory Therapists salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $70,470 (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 Respiratory Therapists?
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 ($74,490) and others.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 100 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 1.048 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Respiratory Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK