Childcare Workers Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Fort Smith, AR-OK

Median annual salary $25,210 -21.3% vs national
Median hourly $12.12
10th percentile $22,540
90th percentile $34,390
Employed locally 350
National median $32,050

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Childcare Workers
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Fort Smith, AR-OK
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $22,540
    25th
    $23,100
    50th (median)
    $25,210
    75th
    $30,610
    90th
    $34,390

    Fort Smith economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $56,717 2023 • Census ACS
    Childcare Workers salary vs area income 44% Median Childcare Workers salary is 56% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Childcare Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL $47,730
    District of Columbia $45,400
    Ocala, FL $44,990
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $44,970
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $43,640
    Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area $42,810

    Nearby metros — Childcare Workers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL $47,730
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $43,640
    Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area $42,810
    Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area $39,460
    Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area $38,680
    North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area $38,560

    Related occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK

    OccupationMedian salary
    Recreation Workers $24,570
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $24,960
    Animal Caretakers $29,280
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $26,110
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $42,730
    Residential Advisors $36,690

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Childcare Workers make per hour in Fort Smith?

    The median hourly wage for Childcare Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $12.12, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $17.17 or more per hour.

    Is Fort Smith above or below average for Childcare Workers salaries?

    The median Childcare Workers salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 21.3% below the national median of $32,050. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Childcare Workers in Fort Smith?

    Entry-level Childcare Workers (10th percentile) earn around $22,540 per year in Fort Smith, AR-OK. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $23,100.