Electrician Hourly Pay in Fort Smith, AR: $25.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in Fort Smith, AR runs $25.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,613 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against Fort Smith's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,167 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fort Smith, Arkansas, the electrician hourly pay is projected to reach $25.78 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national average of $31.02. This hourly rate translates into a practical context for both part-time and per-diem workers. Electricians working three days a week can expect to earn around $1,558 monthly, significantly affecting their budgeting and lifestyle choices. The hourly pay range extends from $16.57 for entry-level positions to $36.27 for higher earners, reflecting the diverse demand across settings such as commercial and industrial construction sites, residential service calls, utility jobs, and manufacturing plant electrical work. It is important to recognize that these figures are based on official BLS data projections and represent the current landscape in Fort Smith.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.57 | $132.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.49 | $155.96 |
| Median (P50) | $25.78 | $206.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.68 | $253.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.27 | $290.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Smith
Based on $25.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.78/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Smith, AR can expect to earn approximately $53,612 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,930. With a cost-of-living index of 85.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Smith.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Smith
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,031.00 | $4,468 | $53,612 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $618.60 | $2,681 | $32,167 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $412.40 | $1,787 | $21,445 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (Fort Smith) | $25.78 |
| Plumber (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| HVAC Technician (National Avg) | $28.47 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Solar PV Installer (National Avg) | $24.85 |
Electricians in Fort Smith, AR earn a median of $53,613 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.92% lower than the national median of $64,530 and 7.70% above the Arkansas state average of $49,780.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.78/hr = $32,167/year (purchasing power: $37,453).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,612/year (purchasing power: $62,421).
CoL index: 85.888 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in Fort Smith (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in Fort Smith grew 15.9% from $21.78/hr (2019) to $25.24/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.32/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electricians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Smith metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.12% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Electrician in Fort Smith
In terms of earning potential, part-time electricians working 24 hours weekly will yield an annual take-home significantly less than their full-time counterparts, who reap the benefits of higher earnings and potential overtime. Travel electricians can see higher pay due to per-diem arrangements; many receive between $80 and $150 daily while also drawing base hourly rates ranging from $35 to $60. Unique conditions such as storm work can yield double-time payments for utility linemen, with some contractors in specialized fields earning $80 to $140 on a 1099 basis. Hourly rates vary widely based on employer type in Fort Smith, with union contractors often offering significant premiums alongside benefits, contrasting with non-union options that may prioritize flexibility. Negotiating for better rates or benefits is a valuable skill for electricians, and understanding the interplay between hourly wages and health insurance can help in making informed career decisions in the area.
More salary data for Fort Smith, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electricians in Fort Smith. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.12%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electricians (SOC 47-2111).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov