SalaryNode

Average Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK

In Fort Smith, AR-OK, professionals in Transportation and Material Moving Occupations earn an average annual salary of $45,700. This figure is slightly below the national average of $48,350, suggesting that local economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific needs and economic structure of Fort Smith influence the prevailing wage rates for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $45,700 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,200.
  • Outlook: The Fort Smith, AR-OK metropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 11,420 individuals within Transportation and Material Moving Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.34, this sector is notably more concentrated here than the national average, indicating a robust and established presence. This concentration suggests a healthy demand for these roles and a potentially stable job market for those employed in or seeking positions within this field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$45,700

The average Transportation and Material Moving Occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-5.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22

Weekly

$879

Monthly

$3,808

Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK

Salary progression within Transportation and Material Moving Occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile distribution of earnings highlights these differences, with higher percentiles representing senior roles and greater earning potential, signifying clear career advancement pathways.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$27,120$13
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$34,275$16.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$37,170$17.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$57,125$27.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$75,200$36.2

Detailed Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$45,700

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$45,700

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $45,700 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 directly comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents. While the nominal salary is slightly below the national average for the occupation, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay effectively covers essential expenses at a rate consistent with the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

11,420

Total Jobs

118.433

Per 1K Jobs

1.34

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.34, Fort Smith, AR-OK has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Transportation and Material Moving Occupations roles compared to the national norm.

Fort Smith, AR-OK, exhibits a strong concentration of Transportation and Material Moving Occupations, as evidenced by its Location Quotient of 1.34. This indicates that the region has a significantly higher proportion of these jobs relative to the national average. Such a high quotient suggests a specialized local economy that relies heavily on this sector, potentially leading to a competitive job market for employers seeking talent and a favorable environment for job seekers with relevant skills.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Transportation and Material Moving Occupations

Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK

Hiring Transportation and Material Moving Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Transportation and Material Moving Occupations make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?

The median annual salary for a Transportation and Material Moving Occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $45,700. This typically ranges from $27,120 for entry-level positions to $75,200 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 5.5% lower than the national median of $48,350.

Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Transportation and Material Moving Occupationss?

Yes, with a caveat.Fort Smith, AR-OK offers a strong concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.34) and a cost of living on par with the national average. While the average salary is slightly below the national average for the occupation, the balanced cost of living ensures good purchasing power.

Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Transportation and Material Moving Occupations?

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 ($44,460) and Hot Springs, AR.

What is the average salary for Transportation and Material Moving Occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK?

The average annual salary for Transportation and Material Moving Occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $45,700.

How does the Fort Smith salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Fort Smith ($45,700) is slightly lower than the national average ($48,350) for these occupations.

Is the job market for Transportation and Material Moving Occupations strong in Fort Smith?

Yes, the job market appears strong, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.34, meaning the sector is more concentrated in Fort Smith than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Fort Smith affect the salary?

Fort Smith has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means the $45,700 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being slightly below the national occupational salary average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,420 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 118.433 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.