Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Fort Smith, AR: $44.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Fort Smith, AR runs $44.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,959 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Fort Smith's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,774 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Smith, AR, the clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay is projected to be $44.69 in 2026, which is below the national median of $50.81 per hour. This hourly rate provides some insight into the financial landscape for professionals in this field, especially for those working part-time or per-diem. For example, a psychologist working three days a week could earn around $35,000 annually, which highlights a significant disparity when compared to full-time colleagues. The hourly range for these psychologists in Fort Smith spans from $25.92 for entry-level positions to $69.27 for experienced professionals, suggesting varied earning potential depending on individual circumstances and career trajectory. It's worth noting that these hourly estimates are based on projected annual salary data that reflects local market conditions.
About the Fort Smith Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($106,850) adjusted for local cost of living.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.92 | $207.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.18 | $257.40 |
| Median (P50) | $44.69 | $357.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.21 | $457.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.27 | $554.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Smith
Based on $44.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.69/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Smith, AR can expect to earn approximately $92,956 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,629. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (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) | $1,787.62 | $7,746 | $92,956 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,072.57 | $4,648 | $55,774 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $715.05 | $3,099 | $37,183 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Fort Smith) | $44.69 |
| School Psychologist (National Avg) | $41.79 |
| Psychiatrist (National Avg) | $116.00 |
| Mental Health Counselor (National Avg) | $28.16 |
| Clinical Social Worker (Mental Health & Substance Abuse) (National Avg) | $30.99 |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Fort Smith, AR earn a median of $92,959 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.04% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 1.20% above the Arkansas state average of $91,857.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.69/hr = $55,774/year (purchasing power: $64,182).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,956/year (purchasing power: $106,969).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$34.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.69/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Fort Smith (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $34.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Fort Smith grew 21.9% from $34.89/hr (2021) to $42.53/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.96/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem clinical and counseling psychologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) 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 5.08% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Clinical and Counseling Psychologist in Fort Smith
The earning potential for clinical and counseling psychologists in Fort Smith varies considerably based on employment type. Part-time professionals working 24 hours a week could see limited annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts, while those choosing to work per-diem might achieve higher rates due to demand. Per diem clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Fort Smith generally reflects a premium of 10-25% over typical staff pay, allowing for flexibility and potentially higher income. Additionally, workplace dynamics can further influence hourly pay; psychologists affiliated with private practices may earn less than those employed by larger healthcare organizations or specialized clinics, where higher patient volumes can lead to increased compensation. While this could mean higher hourly rates for some, many psychologists might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits and job security provided by larger institutions. When negotiating pay, it is essential for these professionals to weigh the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits, ensuring their unique financial and lifestyle needs are met.
More salary data for Fort Smith, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Fort Smith in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Fort Smith?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in Fort Smith paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Fort Smith?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in Fort Smith?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.
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 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for clinical and counseling psychologists 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
Salary data for Fort Smith is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.08%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for clinical and counseling psychologists (SOC 19-3033).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov