Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK

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

Median annual salary $37,210 -28% vs national
Median hourly $17.89
10th percentile $35,560
90th percentile $47,480
Employed locally 30
National median $51,650

Compare Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salary & buying power

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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $35,560
    25th
    $35,890
    50th (median)
    $37,210
    75th
    $46,130
    90th
    $47,480

    Fort Smith economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $56,717 2023 • Census ACS
    Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salary vs area income 66% Median Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salary is 34% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $123,470
    Hawaii $108,570
    Urban Honolulu, HI $108,570
    Champaign-Urbana, IL $98,730
    Anchorage, AK $97,670
    Alaska $97,670

    Nearby metros — Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $123,470
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $81,360
    Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area $79,740
    South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area $78,620
    Central East New York nonmetropolitan area $76,970
    Youngstown-Warren, OH $74,950

    Related occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK

    OccupationMedian salary
    Construction Laborers $35,260
    First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $58,070
    Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $38,880
    Electricians $49,510
    Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $49,440
    Carpenters $38,580

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators make per hour in Fort Smith?

    The median hourly wage for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $17.89, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.83 or more per hour.

    Is Fort Smith above or below average for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salaries?

    The median Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 28% below the national median of $51,650. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Fort Smith?

    Entry-level Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators (10th percentile) earn around $35,560 per year in Fort Smith, AR-OK. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $35,890.