Truck Driver Salary in Fort Smith
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$49,447
CDL-B Avg
$38,569
Non-CDL Avg
$31,646
Owner-Op Gross
$143,396
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Fort Smith truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Fort Smith
Fort Smith's cost of living is 14% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$49,447
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$57,497
After adjusting for Fort Smith's cost of living index of 86, a CDL-A salary of $49,447 provides the same purchasing power as $57,497 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Fort Smith than the raw salary suggests.
Fort Smith vs Arkansas vs National Average
| Metric | Fort Smith | AR Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $49,447 | $50,200 | $58,710 |
| vs State | $-753 | ||
| vs National | $-9,263 | ||
| Cost of Living | 86 | 86 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $57,497 | $58,372 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Fort Smith
Trucking pay in Fort Smith has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from ltl freight (abf) and food processing. The Arkansas market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Top Paying Companies in Fort Smith
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Fort Smith area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1FedEx Freight | $66,980 |
| 2XPO Logistics | $64,025 |
| 3Southeastern Freight Lines | $62,055 |
| 4Werner Enterprises | $61,070 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Fort Smith
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Fort Smith market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Fort Smith
Browse CDL driver positions in Fort Smith, AR from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Fort Smith
What is the average truck driver salary in Fort Smith, AR?
CDL-A truck drivers in Fort Smith, Arkansas earn an average of $49,447 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Fort Smith market is influenced by ltl freight (abf) and food processing freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Fort Smith?
Owner-operators based in Fort Smith gross approximately $143,396 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $54,490 to $68,830. The Fort Smith area's cost of living index of 86 is below the national average by 14%.
Is Fort Smith a good city for trucking jobs?
Fort Smith offers strong trucking employment thanks to its ltl freight (abf) and food processing sectors. The city's cost of living is below the national average, which means your paycheck goes further here than in many metros. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.