Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Fort Smith, AR: $69,819 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Fort Smith, AR earns a median $69,819/year (≈ $33.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Fort Smith's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $80,344 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dietitians and nutritionists in Fort Smith, AR, can expect a median annual salary of $69,819 in 2026, which is about 12.04% lower than the national median of $79,380. The projected salary range extends from $44,821 at the 10th percentile to $95,339 at the 90th percentile, reflecting both entry-level positions and those with advanced expertise or specialized credentials. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, illustrate how specialized skills, such as those certified in renal CSR or oncology CSO, can substantially influence compensation. Given the current economic landscape and local market conditions, Fort Smith presents competitive opportunities for dietitians and nutritionists aiming to balance pay with their lifestyle choices.
About the Fort Smith Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,821 | $21.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,093 | $27.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,819 | $33.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,285 | $39.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,339 | $45.84 |
Median Salary Position
12.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Smith
In Fort Smith, AR, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,518 (2026 est.). At $69,819, the local median is 12.04% below the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Smith: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fort Smith Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Fort Smith median: $69,819/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Smith Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $68,991 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $79,380 | -12.04% less |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Fort Smith, AR earn a median of $69,819 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.04% lower than the national median of $79,380 and 1.20% above the Arkansas state average of $68,991.
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 dietitian and nutritionist earning $69,819 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $80,344 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,700
2025 BLS Actual
$67,198
2026 Current Est.
$69,819
2019–2027 Growth
+23.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Fort Smith (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,700 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,560 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,255 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,198 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,819 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,542 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Smith metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 14.5% from $58,700 (2019) to $67,198 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,542 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,842 (23.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) 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 3.90% CAGR derived from 7-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) | $44,821 – $57,093 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,093 – $69,819 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,819 – $82,285 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,285 – $95,339 |
DN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dietitian and nutritionist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Job Market in Fort Smith
As of now, there are 15 dietitians and nutritionists employed in Fort Smith, highlighting a niche market for professionals in this field. With a cost-of-living index of 86.9, which is below the national average, take-home pay offers a relatively comfortable lifestyle compared to many other regions. The highest salaries are generally found within hospital clinical nutrition departments and specialized outpatient clinics, particularly those focusing on diabetes and cardiology. A significant factor in the pay range in the area is the degree of specialization, with those possessing board certifications often earning more. For local dietitians seeking to maximize their salary, focusing on cash-pay private practice or corporate wellness programs may offer lucrative options, especially as consumer interest in personalized nutrition and health continues to grow.
More salary data for Fort Smith, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
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 $67,198 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Fort Smith metropolitan area. A 3.90% 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 3.90%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dietitian and nutritionists (SOC 29-1031).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov