Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Fort Smith, AR: $92,959 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Fort Smith, AR earns a median $92,959/year (≈ $44.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Fort Smith's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $106,972 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for a clinical and counseling psychologist in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is projected to be $92,959, reflecting the cost of living adjustments in the area. This figure represents a lower earning potential compared to the national median of $105,689, highlighting a difference of approximately 12.04%. The local salary range spans from $53,917 at the 10th percentile to $144,087 for the 90th percentile, with annual earnings showing a considerable spread due to variations in employer size and specialization. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, indicating a steady demand for mental health professionals in Fort Smith’s job market.
About the Fort Smith Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($106,850) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,917 | $25.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,931 | $32.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,959 | $44.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $118,987 | $57.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,087 | $69.27 |
Median Salary Position
12.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Smith
In Fort Smith, AR, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,170 (2026 est.). At $92,959, the local median is 12.04% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Smith: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fort Smith Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Fort Smith median: $92,959/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Smith Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $91,857 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | -12.04% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Smith has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fort Smith, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $92,959 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $106,972 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$72,572
2025 BLS Actual
$88,465
2026 Current Est.
$92,959
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $72,572 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,274 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,525 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,465 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,959 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,681 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Smith metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $72,572 (2021) to $88,465 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,681 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,109 (34.60%) from 2021.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $53,917 – $66,931 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,931 – $92,959 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,959 – $118,987 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $118,987 – $144,087 |
CCP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual clinical and counseling psychologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Job Market in Fort Smith
With only 15 clinical and counseling psychologists currently employed in Fort Smith, the local job market presents unique opportunities and challenges. The cost of living index at 86.9 suggests that salaries in Fort Smith allow for a comfortable lifestyle compared to many other regions. Among potential employers, large healthcare organizations tend to offer the highest salaries, while private practices and community health centers may provide lower pay but possibly better work-life balance. The range between lower and higher pay can be influenced by factors such as specific credentials, employer size, and availability of benefits. For those looking to maximize their clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Fort Smith, focusing on securing positions in larger healthcare settings or acquiring specialized certifications can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Fort Smith, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $88,465 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Fort Smith metropolitan area. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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