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
$57,390
CDL-B Avg
$40,800
Non-CDL Avg
$43,670
Owner-Op Gross
$168,000
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
$57,390
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$66,733
After adjusting for Fort Smith's cost of living index of 86, a CDL-A salary of $57,390 provides the same purchasing power as $66,733 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 | $57,390 | $57,390 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$0 | ||
| vs National | $-1,320 | ||
| Cost of Living | 86 | 86 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $66,733 | $66,733 | $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.
Which carriers run freight through Fort Smith?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Fort Smith — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.
- Werner Enterprises
- Heartland Express
- USA Truck
- Averitt Express
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
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 $57,390 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 $168,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $63,840 to $80,640. 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.